Polish customs seizes illegally imported rare turtle from Ukrainian citizen

Detention at the border

Employees of the Polish Customs and Tax Service discovered a prepared turtle in the luggage of a 28-year-old Ukrainian citizen at the Korczowa border crossing. The man attempted to transport the animal across the state border but did not have the documents necessary for the legal transport of a protected specimen.

Species status and legal consequences

According to data from Polish authorities, the seized turtle belongs to a species that is critically endangered. This species is protected under the CITES convention.

The specimen was confiscated. Violations of the rules for transporting such objects in Poland carry criminal liability, which may amount to up to five years of imprisonment.