In the Philippines, some 1,500 live exotic turtles found inside an airline passenger's luggage have been seized. <br />''<br />''<br />''Authorities today said the turtles seized were estimated to be worth 87,000 US Dollar. <br />''<br />''<br />''The Philippines is a major source and transit point of wildlife trafficking, according to a 2018 report by the US State Department.<br />''<br />''<br />''The turtles and tortoises were found at Manila airport yesterday in the luggage of a Filipino passenger who had arrived from Hong Kong, hidden among clothes and shoes. <br />''<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Customs officials the person fled before authorities could confront him. The matter is under investigation.</span><br />