Chennai, 20 April (HS). Customs officials at the Chennai airport on Saturday seized around 5,000 red eared slider turtles (a species of turtle) from two suitcases brought by a flight to Malaysia at the international terminal on Saturday. However, after this seizure, it was sent back to Malaysia on Saturday itself. The Mexican origin Red Ear Slider turtle is in great demand in India.

Customs officials examined two suitcases that were brought here on a Batik Air flight on Friday night and found both suitcases unclaimed during check-in. The truth came to light when Customs officials and CISF personnel examined the suspicious items with metal detectors. On opening the suitcase, red eared slider turtles, banned in India, were found inside.

According to officials, inside the suitcase were several plastic boxes with holes filled with baby red-eared slider turtles. This species of turtle was identified with the help of Wildlife Bureau officials.

The seized turtle was sent back to Malaysia on Saturday itself as rules do not allow bringing exotic animals into the country without inspection and proper testing.

It is being told that this is the second wildlife seizure at Chennai airport within a week. On April 12, customs officials seized 484 red eared slider turtles and nine African tortoises from a passenger named Mohammed Mubeen. A policeman who helped the passenger travel with the illegal luggage was also arrested.

Hindusthan Samachar/ Indrani