TSA Foils Unusual Smuggling At Newark Airport

Traveler with luggage watches airplane take off at airport.

A man at Newark Airport was caught trying to smuggle a live animal in his pants, shedding light on security challenges for TSA officers.

Key Takeaways

A Pennsylvania man was caught with a turtle concealed in his pants at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The incident occurred when a TSA body scanner alarmed in the man’s groin area.
A TSA officer conducted a pat-down and discovered the concealed turtle.
The man missed his flight and was escorted out of the checkpoint by police.
The incident is under investigation to determine if the man will face charges or penalties.

Security Breach at Newark

Authorities at Newark Liberty International Airport were alerted when a body scan identified an anomaly in a Pennsylvania man’s groin area. While conducting a pat-down, TSA officers discovered a live red-ear slider turtle wrapped in a towel concealed in the man’s pants, an unprecedented find that has left many questioning the man’s motives and the lengths some will go to circumvent airport security.

The turtle, a popular pet breed measuring approximately five inches in length, was unharmed during the chaos of the incident. Port Authority Police confiscated the reptile, and the man, whose unusual attempt caused a significant delay, missed his flight and was escorted from the security checkpoint under police supervision.

Professional Handling by TSA

Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, praised the officers involved. He acknowledged the pat-down was handled with professionalism, easing the alarm safely and smoothly. The TSA has seen a variety of items concealed on travelers, but this was a first for a live animal hidden in such a manner within someone’s clothing.

“We have seen travelers try to conceal knives and other weapons on their person, in their shoes and in their luggage, however, I believe this is the first time we have come across someone who was concealing a live animal down the front of his pants. As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions,” Carter said.

This peculiar incident follows similar encounters. Just last year, TSA officers at Norfolk International Airport found a live cat in a passenger’s carry-on bag, reflecting the unpredictable challenges TSA agents face regularly as they strive to maintain security.

Pennsylvania man was caught with an unusual stowaway in his pants at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).https://t.co/PnnhSmcSLT

— UpNorthLive News (@upnorthlive) March 13, 2025

Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation continues, authorities remain puzzled by the man’s motives. The man is yet to face any charges or penalties but could potentially be held accountable depending on the investigation’s outcome. The bizarre attempt has certainly raised eyebrows and renewed focus on TSA’s evolving security measures.

Such incidents delineate the crucial role meticulous screening processes play in ensuring the safety and security of air travelers and staff. Moreover, they highlight how sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction in the world of airport security.