Customs seize 430 live star tortoises

Mumbai, Nov 23 (UNI) The officers of the air intelligence unit have seized 430 live tortoises, valued at Rs 4,30,000, kept in a checked suitcase yesterday.

The unit, on a tip off, intercepted one passenger holding Indian passport who had already boarded the aircraft for departure to Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Airways.

Examination of his only checked in baggage resulted in the recovery of 430 livestar tortoises valued at Rs 4,30,000 in illicit international market.

The 430 live star tortoises were seized under Customs Act 1962, read with the Wild Life Protection Act 1972. In his statements recorded under section 108 of the Customs Act 1962, the arrested passenger conferred he was taking the said tortoises out of India for sale in Malaysia.

The passenger along with the amphibians under were handed over to the Wild Life Department for further necessary action.

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