Special Service and Features
Madurai Customs Foils Major Wildlife Smuggling Attempt: 3,101 Exotic Turtles Seized
Posted On:
14 DEC 2025 6:53PM by PIB Chennai
Based on specific intelligence, Customs officers at Madurai International Airport successfully intercepted a major attempt to smuggle exotic wildlife species on 13.12.2025. The intelligence indicated that a female passenger, arriving in Madurai from Kuala Lumpur via Colombo on Flight UL-139, would attempt to smuggle contraband concealed in her checked-in luggage. Acting swiftly on this information, Customs officers intercepted the said passenger.
Upon detailed examination of her check-in bags, officers recovered a large consignment of exotic wildlife animals, specifically 3,101 numbers of Red Eared Slider Turtles. These turtles were being illegally transported into the country.
Consequently, a case was booked under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, read with the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The accused person involved in the smuggling attempt was arrested, and the seized wildlife species were swiftly repatriated. Further investigation into the matter is currently in progress.
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SS/RJ
(Release ID: 2203752)
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