4,000 red eared slider turtles seized at Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Police seized at least 4,000 red eared slider turtles at Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul on Feb. 15, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

The turtles were seized in three different items of baggage during the mobile baggage x-ray scanning process, according to a written statement issued by the Customs and Trade Ministry.

Officials said the turtles were detected in the baggage of a plane arriving in Turkey from Lebanon.

An investigation has been opened into three suspects detained at the airport.

The turtles have been delivered to the provincial directorate of the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs for procedural examinations.