540 live star tortoises seized, one held

Chennai, June 6 (UNI) Officials of the Customs Air Intelligence Unit has seized 540 live star tortoises from a passenger who tried to smuggle them to Kuala Lumpur.

Airport sources said Ashraf Ali Kaja was caught last evening at the Customs channel after a thorough search revealed the consignment in a dark-coloured stroller zipper bag he was carrying. He was later arrested.

Initially, Kaja claimed his hand baggage contained only personal belongings.

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