Customs Seize 138 Star Tortoises from Malaysia-Bound Passenger

Chennai Air Customs intercepted a male passenger attempting to smuggle 138 star tortoises into Malaysia. The tortoises, listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, were seized. The accused was arrested and the tortoises were handed over to Guindy National Park.

Chennai Air Customs officials thwarted an attempt to smuggle 138 star tortoises to Malaysia, seizing the wildlife from a male passenger at the departure terminal on July 10, 2024.

The endangered species were found concealed in the passenger’s checked-in baggage, authorities revealed. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, star tortoises are classified in Schedule I, affording them utmost legal protection.

The accused was arrested under the Customs and Wildlife (Protection) Acts and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. The tortoises, all found alive, were transferred to Guindy National Park for safekeeping and eventual release back into their natural habitat. Further investigations are underway.