2025-10-24 14:06:09

Two women have been arrested in China after customs officers discovered 68 live tortoises strapped to their legs beneath their skirts.

The pair were stopped at Wenjindu Port, near Hong Kong, after officials noticed them “walking with stiff steps” while passing through the nothing to declare channel.

Suspicious officers searched one of the women and uncovered 39 tortoises tied to her thighs using black tights.

Moments later, a second woman was caught using the same method — hiding 29 more reptiles beneath her clothes.

Authorities confirmed all the animals, identified as star tortoises (Geochelone species), were still alive but are classed as alien wildlife prohibited from entering China.

Both women were detained on the spot, and the Anti-Smuggling Bureau has launched a full investigation.

A China Customs spokesperson warned travellers that smuggling or transporting foreign species is a serious offence.

They said: “If you find you are carrying any of the following you must declare them, according to Chinese law. “Consequences are worse if found in possession once you have passed through customs.”

The agency reiterated that endangered animals, plants and biological products are strictly banned from import or export under national law.

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