Passenger arrested at Chennai airport for smuggling animals

On April 12, Customs officials found 484 red-eared slider turtles and nine African spurred tortoises in his check-in baggage

The animals that were seized at Chennai airport. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

A passenger who flew in from Bangkok has been arrested at the airport for attempting to smuggle animals.

When Mohamed Mubeen, a resident of Pattukottai, arrived from Bangkok on April 12, Customs officials found 484 red-eared slider turtles and nine African spurred tortoises in his check-in baggage, a press release said.

Upon inquiry, the officials found that S. Ravikumar, who is posted as an havaldar, TSP VI, Battalion, Madurai, in the Tamil Nadu Police was supposed to receive the animals. He was also apprehended.

Both Mubeen and Ravikumar were arrested and remanded in judicial custody. Further investigation is on.