Kyoto residents arrested for attempting to smuggle protected turtles

Two individuals from Kyoto, Japan, have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to illegally import four protected turtles via Kansai International Airport. The suspects, a 35-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, allegedly attempted to smuggle the animals from Thailand through Hong Kong in March.

The seized animals include one Indian Star Tortoise, one Leopard Tortoise, and two Radiated Tortoises. All four species are regulated under international trade agreements, specifically CITES, due to their endangered status. The illegal shipment was discovered by customs officials during an inspection at the airport.