Tiny Tortoise smuggling investigated
Lincolnshire Police are looking into the incident
A woman is under investigation after we received reports she smuggled a baby tortoise into the UK by concealing it inside a cigarette packet.
A spokesperson for the force said:
"A tiny tortoise has been recovered by our Force Wildlife Crime Officer. We were made aware by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of reports that a 29-year-old woman from Boston, is reported to have purchased the tortoise for just £10 at a local Tunisian market.
"We are investigating suspected offences under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (COTES) and the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA). If found guilty these are serious offences. "
DC Aaron Flint, our Force Wildlife Crime Officer believes the tortoise to be a Testudo graeca, commonly known as the Greek tortoise or spur-thighed tortoise — a species protected under international law due to its endangered status. Trade in such animals is heavily restricted and requires permits under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). An import permit would be needed to bring a Greek tortoise into the UK.
Warning that ignorance is no excuse when it comes to smuggling wildlife, Detective Constable Aaron Flint, said: “Endangered species such as tortoises are protected under international law, and bringing one into the country without the correct permits is a criminal offence.
“I ask that anyone thinking about bringing animals or animal products into the UK checks the legislation around how this must be done” added DC Flint. “What may seem like an innocent souvenir — even if purchased for a small amount can result in serious criminal charges.
“If you don’t have the proper documentation, don’t take the risk – the consequences can be severe.”
The tortoise has now been taken into specialist care at Wild Things Rescue.
Lucy Steele, Wild Things Rescue, said; “We usually work with British wildlife, so it was a surprise to be asked to care for an animal from Tunisia, especially under such distressing circumstances; we have called the tortoise Gulliver.
“The tortoise is not in the best condition and will be seeing a specialist vet to give him the best possible chance at a healthy future. He is a wild animal, not an accessory and should never have been treated this way.”
Many exotic animals, including tortoises, are protected species requiring CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora permits for import or export).
Breaches of COTES (Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 2018) and CEMA (Customs and Excise Management Act 1979) can result in prosecution, fines, or imprisonment of up to 7 years.
Animals smuggled without documentation may be confiscated and rehomed, with owners facing legal action.
Anyone with information about the potential illegal trade or importation of endangered species is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.