Airport officials seize star tortoises worth Rs 10 lakh

Chennai, Dec 18 (UNI) Aiport Customs officials today seized 910 small and medium-sized star tortoises, worth Rs ten lakh, which were about to be smuggled by two Malaysian-bound passengers at Chennai airport.

Airport officials said, acting on a tip-off, the officials seized 510 star tortoises from the baggage of Sultan Sekh Mohamad (22), who had already boarded the flight.

The officials also intercepted another passenger Velusamy of Puducherry, while he was passing through the customs check and seized 400 star tortoises from his baggage.

A case under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 and the Customs Act had been registered against the passengers, officials added.

UNI