In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife smuggling, customs officials at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata seized 707 live red-eared slider turtles from the luggage of a passenger arriving from Bangkok.
The passenger was arrested on suspicion of wildlife trafficking, and investigations have been launched to determine the origin of the animals and their destination.
Movement Inside Luggage Raises Suspicion
According to customs officials, the seizure was made after officers noticed unusual movement inside the passenger’s checked baggage during inspection.
After a thorough inspection of the luggage, 707 live red-eared slider turtles were found inside containers hidden within the baggage.
The turtles were immediately saved and taken into the care of the concerned wildlife authorities for medical examination and rehabilitation.
Passenger Detained
After the seizure, customs officials detained the passenger for questioning under provisions related to wildlife protection and illegal trafficking.
Investigators are now trying to establish:
- The source of the turtles.
- Whether the passenger was part of an organised wildlife trafficking network.
- The intended destination of the animals.
- Whether similar smuggling attempts have happened on the same route.
The passenger’s identity and other details about the investigation still have not been revealed.
About Red-Eared Slider Turtles
The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the world's most traded pet turtles.
The species is native to the USA, but has also spread to many countries through the pet trade worldwide.
Red-eared sliders, though popular as pets, are considered an invasive species in many places in the world. Red-eared sliders are not only harmful to native turtle populations, but they are also competitive for food, habitat, and nesting territory, posing a threat to local biodiversity.
Wildlife Smuggling Remains a Serious Concern
Indian airports have seen various attempts to smuggle exotic animals in recent years, including reptiles, birds, mammals, and marine species.
Wildlife trafficking is considered one of the world’s largest illegal trades, driven by demand for exotic pets, traditional medicine, and illegal animal markets.
Authorities are continuing to beef up surveillance at airports with advanced baggage screening systems and intelligence-based operations to prevent such activities.
Investigation Continues
Customs officials are also working with wildlife enforcement agencies to ensure that the rescued turtles are given appropriate care and that the trafficking network behind the smuggling attempt is identified.
The officials underlined that strong legal action will be taken against people involved in illegal wildlife trade as part of India’s commitment to biodiversity and to prevent the illegal movement of protected and exotic species across international borders.
The seizure of 707 live turtles is one of the largest wildlife interceptions reported at Kolkata airport in recent times and highlights the continuing challenge posed by transnational wildlife trafficking.
