Mexican authorities found 3,427 baby turtles on Friday. The animals were hidden in cardboard boxes and were being transported illegally.
The turtles were discovered at a police checkpoint in the southern state of Chiapas. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested, the Mexican government reports. The animals were packed together and were not receiving proper care.
The freshwater turtles of the species Trachemys venusta are a protected species in Mexico.
The turtles have been transferred to a shelter, where they will be cared for and examined. If their health allows, they will be released into the wild.
The Mexican animal protection agency emphasizes that illegal wildlife trade is a serious threat to biodiversity in the country.