An attempt to smuggle three live tortoises in a pastry box into Berlin was thwarted by airport staff.

A passenger who’d flown into Schönefeld airport from Cairo tried to sneak through the “nothing to declare” section, but was stopped by security staff.

The tortoises were stowed inside a pastry box, with the shells clearly visible through the plastic packaging.

The man tried to pass off the animals as “edible”, saying they were chocolate tortoises designed to look realistic.

However, it quickly transpired these were in fact live Moroccan tortoises, officially an endangered species.

Jonathan the Giant Tortoise has his first bath after 184 years Show all 5 1 /5 Jonathan the Giant Tortoise has his first bath after 184 years Jonathan the Giant Tortoise has his first bath after 184 years Jonathan takes a bath Vet Joe Hollins gives the 184-year-old tortoise an overdue clean. St Helena Government Jonathan the Giant Tortoise has his first bath after 184 years Jonathan takes a bath The vet gently washed his enormous shell. St Helena Government Jonathan the Giant Tortoise has his first bath after 184 years Jonathan takes a bath Jonathan is one of many Giant Tortoises residing at the Plantation House on St Helena. St Helena Government Jonathan the Giant Tortoise has his first bath after 184 years Jonathan takes a bath Jonathan is something of a an in his home of St Helena, he even features on the back of five pence pieces. St Helena Government Jonathan the Giant Tortoise has his first bath after 184 years Jonathan takes a bath The vet says looking after Jonathan, the oldest living land animal in the world, is "an honour". St Helena Government

The amphibians were confiscated and are being looked after by the airport vet.

If found guilty of animal trafficking, the man in question faces a fine of up to €50,000 (£43,000) or a five-year prison sentence.

It comes after The Independent reported that 1,529 exotic live turtles valued at more than £65,750 were found smuggled into the Philippines in a passenger’s luggage.

The reptiles were discovered by customs officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

They had been packed in four suitcases and travelled the two-hour journey from Hong Kong on Philippine Airlines flight PR311.

The bags were abandoned at the airport and, when opened, contained a 1,500-strong collection of exotic and rare turtles.