Turtle shell spurs caught at airport

PANAMA. A cargo of turtle shell spurs for cock fighting was seized at the Tocumen International Airport by the Environment Authority (ANAM). The spurs were in 28 packets with 12 pairs each ana have an estimated value of $112,000. A Colombian man coming from Bogota on his way to Chiriqui, was carrying the illegal cargo without the corresponding permits. Although ANAM does not have authority to make a detention for environmental crimes, it can apply sanctions for up to $1 million, according to Migdalia Zapata, ANAM's east regional director. The Public Ministry will be in charge of establishing penal sanctions in the case.

The commerce and traffic of turtle shell products is prohibited by law.