TSA Encounters Unusual Smuggling Attempt At Newark International

Traveler with luggage watches airplane take off at airport.

A Pennsylvania man was caught attempting to smuggle a live animal through security at Newark Liberty International Airport by concealing it in his pants, leading to his detention and causing him to miss his flight.

Key Insights

TSA body scanners detected an anomaly in the man’s groin area, which turned out to be a five-inch red-ear slider turtle wrapped in a towel.
The man was questioned by Port Authority Police and escorted from the security checkpoint, missing his scheduled flight.
According to TSA officials, this was the first known instance of someone attempting to smuggle a live animal in such a manner at the airport.
The turtle appeared unharmed despite the unusual transportation method.
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if charges will be filed against the Pennsylvania resident.

Unusual Discovery at Airport Security

In a bizarre security incident at Newark Liberty International Airport, Transportation Security Administration officers discovered a Pennsylvania man attempting to transport a live turtle through a checkpoint by hiding it in his pants. The unusual smuggling attempt was detected when the TSA’s advanced imaging technology body scanner alerted officers to an anomaly in the man’s groin area, prompting further investigation that revealed the concealed reptile.

During a standard pat-down procedure, the East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania resident was directly asked if he had anything hidden in his pants. In response, the man reached into his pants and produced a live red-ear slider turtle approximately five inches in length. The turtle had been carefully wrapped in a towel before being concealed in the traveler’s clothing, apparently in an attempt to bypass normal security protocols.

Security Response and Consequences

Following the discovery, Port Authority Police were immediately called to the checkpoint where they questioned the man and took possession of the turtle. The incident caused significant disruption to the man’s travel plans, as he was escorted from the security area and subsequently missed his scheduled flight. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not yet announced whether the man will face charges or penalties for the attempted smuggling.

“I commend our officer who conducted the pat-down in a very professional manner in an effort to resolve the alarm,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey.

Carter expressed both concern and surprise at the incident, noting that while TSA officers routinely discover prohibited items like knives and other weapons during security screenings, this particular case represented a first for the agency. Officials confirmed that despite the concerning circumstances, the turtle appeared to be unharmed by the man’s unconventional transportation method.

A Pennsylvania man was caught with a turtle hidden in his pants when the Transportation Security Administration body scanner triggered an alarm in the area of the man’s groin at Newark Liberty International Airport last week. https://t.co/D6TMjrHRwH

— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) March 12, 2025

Ongoing Investigation and Context

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the man’s motives for attempting to smuggle the live animal through security. It remains unclear whether the turtle was kept as a pet or if there were other reasons behind the smuggling attempt. Red-ear slider turtles are one of the most popular pet turtle species in the United States, known for their distinctive red markings and adaptability to captive environments.

While the incident is certainly unusual, it is not entirely unprecedented in the world of airport security. TSA officials have occasionally encountered similar situations involving attempts to smuggle animals through security checkpoints. In a somewhat related case, TSA officers previously discovered a cat hidden inside a traveler’s bag at Norfolk International Airport, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by security personnel in their efforts to maintain safety and compliance with transportation regulations.