Star tortoises seized at Chennai airport

Chennai, Oct 4 (UNI) Air customs officials have seized more than 300 live star tortoises, meant for smuggling to Malaysia, from a Kuala Lumpur-bound passenger here late last night.

Airport sources said the officials checked the baggage of one Ansari (19), who was found moving under suspicious circumstances.

The officials checked his baggage and found 333 live star tortoises worth Rs 3.5 lakh in international market and arrested him. Ansari hailed from Ilayankudi in Ramanathapuram district.

These star tortoises have medicinal value and have good market in Malaysia and other South-East Asian countries.

UNI