Canada's Border Service Agency has accused an Ontario man of trying to sneak in more than 70 turtles into the country, the CBC reports.
Xin Hong Tong has been charged with making false statements, not reporting the animals and attempting to avoid paying taxes and duties, according to the Windsor Star.
The 22-year-old was crossing the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor and Detroit on July 6, and after a secondary inspection, officers found boxes full of live turtles hidden inside storage space usually used for stowing the car's seats, Detroit News reports.
“This seizure exemplifies the great work that CBSA border services officers do on a daily basis to protect our borders from various types of smuggling,” said Tamara Allard, CBSA acting district director.
Environment Canada now has custody of the animals, and further charges are pending under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.
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