Massive Turtle Smuggling Ring Busted at Airport

Over 4,000 exotic turtles were seized at an international airport, leading to the arrest of two individuals under the Customs Act, 1962. An investigation was initiated based on specific inputs about exotic wildlife smuggling from Malaysia. Wildlife officials confirmed the species as Red Eared Slider and Albino Red-eared Slider turtles.

In a significant haul, over 4,000 exotic turtles were intercepted and seized by Customs officials at an international airport. The incident led to the arrest of two individuals under the Customs Act, 1962, the department announced on Tuesday.

Acting on precise intelligence, officials suspected two passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur and subsequently found 4,967 small green turtles and 19 yellow turtles in their baggage.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau confirmed the seized species as Red Eared Slider Turtles and Albino Red-eared Slider turtles. The suspects include the passenger and an accomplice awaiting their arrival. An investigation is ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)