Man tries to smuggle tortoises disguised as chocolate

The tortoises in a patisserie box - Copyright German central customs office

By Euronews

Published on 15/03/2019 - 13:33

A crime, not a tasty treat

German customs officers confiscated three protected tortoises after a man tried to smuggle them into the country disguised as a dessert.

The 69-year old was stopped at Schönefeld Airport in Berlin after arriving on a flight from Cairo.

Asked about the contents of a patisserie box, he claimed the objects inside were chocolate.

The authorities, however, discovered three live Moroccan tortoises.

Trafficking the reptiles can lead to a fine of €50,000 or up to five years in prison.

You might also like