TSA Confronts Unusual Attempted Smuggling At International Airport

TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport discovered a Pennsylvania man attempting to smuggle a live animal in his pants during a routine security check, leading to a shocking surprise for everyone involved.

Quick Takes

A Pennsylvania man was caught with a live turtle concealed in his pants at Newark Airport security checkpoint
TSA body scanner detected an abnormality in the man’s groin area, leading to the discovery
The reptile was identified as a red-ear slider turtle, approximately five inches long and unharmed
Port Authority Police questioned the man, who missed his flight and was escorted from the checkpoint
Officials noted this was the first known incident of someone attempting to smuggle a live animal in this manner

Unusual Discovery at Airport Security

In a bizarre security incident at Newark Liberty International Airport, Transportation Security Administration officers intercepted a man attempting to smuggle a live turtle through a checkpoint by concealing it in his pants. The Pennsylvania resident from East Stroudsburg drew attention when a body scanner alarmed in his groin area during routine screening procedures. Following standard protocol, a TSA officer conducted a pat-down search and discovered something unusual hidden in the traveler’s clothing.

When questioned about what might be hidden in his pants, the man reached down and retrieved a live turtle that had been carefully wrapped in a towel. The reptile was identified as a red-ear slider, a popular pet turtle species in the United States, measuring approximately five inches in length. Despite the unusual travel conditions, officials reported that the turtle appeared to be unharmed by the man’s attempt to transport it through security undetected.

Man caught trying to smuggle living turtle down his pants through airport security at Newark https://t.co/gUrnmNFm33 pic.twitter.com/bmz6OGU7Nm

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) March 13, 2025

Official Response and Consequences

Following the discovery, Port Authority Police officers were called to the checkpoint where they questioned the traveler and took possession of the turtle. The man ultimately missed his scheduled flight and was escorted from the security area by police officers. At this time, it remains unclear whether the individual will face charges or penalties related to the incident, which is still under investigation by authorities.

Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, commended the officer who conducted the pat-down “in a very professional manner” to resolve the alarm. The incident stands as one of the more unusual encounters for TSA personnel, who are typically on alert for prohibited items such as weapons or explosives rather than live animals. The circumstances surrounding why the man attempted to smuggle the turtle remain a mystery, including whether it was a pet or had been acquired for other purposes.

“We have seen travelers try to conceal knives and other weapons on their person, in their shoes and in their luggage, however I believe this is the first time we have come across someone who was concealing a live animal down the front of his pants. As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions,” said Carter.

Pattern of Unusual Smuggling Attempts

This incident joins a growing list of unusual smuggling attempts that TSA officers have encountered in recent years. In a somewhat similar case, TSA officers previously discovered a cat hidden inside a traveler’s bag at Norfolk International Airport. These episodes highlight the diverse and sometimes bizarre challenges faced by security personnel tasked with protecting the traveling public, who must remain vigilant for both standard security threats and unexpected situations.

While travelers are generally permitted to bring small pets on flights with proper arrangements and adherence to airline policies, attempting to conceal an animal through security is both prohibited and potentially harmful to the creature. Airlines typically require pets to be transported in approved carriers that allow for proper ventilation and humane conditions during travel. The red-ear slider turtle, which is a commonly kept aquatic pet in the United States, requires specific care conditions that would not have been met had the smuggling attempt been successful.