STANSTED: Suspected tortoise smugglers arrested (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

STANSTED: Suspected tortoise smugglers arrested

10:13am Saturday 18th July 2009 in

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TWO suspected tortoise smugglers from Walthamstow have been arrested at Stansted Airport after police found seven of the creatures hidden in their luggage.

Essex Police officers intercepted the 41-year-old man and 42-year-old woman at the airport after being tipped off by the RSPCA that the pair could be carrying some of the endangered species.

Four of the endangered species were discovered in a suitcase and three in hand luggage.

After the couple were arrested, police raided their home in Walthamstow, where they found two more 10cm-long pancake tortoises and an Asian pit viper.

Police officers are making enquiries to establish whether the ones found at their home were illegally obtained.

The couple flew in from Corfu International Airport on a 1.25pm flight.

They were met by Essex Police officers and representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), who seized the animals which were unharmed.

DC Andy Long of the Essex Police wildlife unit said: "The illegal importation of tortoises is a priority for 2009/10 because it is a problem that is serious and could lead to them becoming extinct."

The animals are indigenous to Corfu and importing them illegally into the UK has become a regular problem, police say.

Police advise those considering buying one of the pets to ensure that the seller is reputable and ask to see their licence.