Astonished cops were shocked when they checked passengers on a bus and found hundreds of tortoises hidden in a man's luggage.

The incident occurred on BR-116 in Teresopolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, on 31st July.

Federal Highway Police officers stopped a bus travelling from Natal to Rio de Janeiro at around 2:30 pm for a regular inspection.

During the inspection of the luggage compartment, they found approximately 600 red-footed baby tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius) hidden inside suitcases belonging to a passenger.

The man, who had boarded the bus in Feira de Santana, admitted that was planning to sell the tortoises in Baixada Fluminense.

He claimed it was his first time transporting animals in this way but officers found he had previously been arrested for the same offence in 2015.

He also confessed he would receive payment for the transport, though the amount was not disclosed.

Federal Highway Police catches bus passenger with around 600 baby tortoises inside suitcases in Teresopolis, Brazil. Note: Police photo. (PRF/Newsflash/NX)

Some of the tortoises had died due to the poor conditions inside the suitcases. Authorities said each baby tortoise could be sold on the illegal market for around BRL 700 (GBP 105).

The case was handed over to the Environmental Protection Department.

(Mike Leidig / newsX)