Information regarding the seizure of the terrapins has been passed on to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India to combat organised wildlife crime.
Sources said the Forest Department officials would be conveying complete details of the five accused who were arrested at the Tiruchi airport while trying to smuggle the reptiles to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur.
The modus operandi of the accused and the suspects would be conveyed to the bureau to keep a track on those indulging in this illegal trade, the sources said. The passports of the five accused would be submitted to the court.
Used for different purposes, a fully adult terrapin could fetch a really hefty price for those selling them through the illegal mode, an official said. The Tuesday’s seizure at the Tiruchi airport comes after two years.
In June 2012, customs officials seized 295 live star tortoises from a Kuala Lumpur-bound air passenger at Tiruchi airport. The accused, Ahamed Sirajudeen (47) of Chennai, was about to board a Sri Lankan Airlines flight to Colombo on way to Kuala Lumpur when he was arrested.
The Forest Department registered a case against Sirajudeen under the Wildlife Protection Act.
