Three arrested over smuggling endangered tortoises from Thailand

The Osaka Prefectural Police arrested three people Wednesday on suspicion of attempting to smuggle Indian star tortoises, an internationally protected species, from Thailand into Japan, in violation of the customs law.

The suspects include Takayuki Fukushima, a 57-year-old construction worker from Tondabayashi, Osaka Prefecture, and a 17-year-old high school student from the prefecture who purchased the animals in Thailand.

A 26-year-old man who was also arrested allegedly paid for the trip to Thailand.

They are suspected of conspiring to smuggle three Indian star tortoises and 13 crayfish from Thailand into Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture on May 8.

Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to the allegations.

According to the police, Fukushima allegedly asked the student, who sold fish, newts and other animals through social media, to smuggle Indian star tortoises into Japan.

The student reportedly bought the animals in Thailand and brought them back in a suitcase. The attempted smuggling was discovered during a baggage inspection by Osaka Customs.

The tortoises had been wrapped in damp cardboard, police said.

Fukushima is suspected of intending to resell them at a high price.

International trade in Indian star tortoises is regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly known as the Washington Convention.