This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Snack-Packed Turtle Smugglers' Motives Unclear
"Operation Flying Turtle" got underway over a year ago, and culminated in the arrest of two men at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, who were caught smuggling 50 live turtles and tortoises into the country. However, "officials still have no idea what the men planned to do with all those tortoises," reports CBS2.
The smugglers, 39-year-old Atsushi Yamagami, and 49-year-old Norihide Ushirozako, of Osaka, Japan have been charged with "illegally importing wildlife into the United States," for which they could be sentenced to "a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison" if convicted. They also face an additional charge of "violating the Endangered Species Act," which is a misdemeanor.
People who smuggle exotic animals into the country are often "motivated solely by profit and status," says Erin L. Dean, resident agent in charge of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement.
Yamagami and Ushirozako smuggled the critters wrapped in bags and stashed inside snack boxes, according to LA Unleashed.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
