The Customs Preventive wing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport seized 5,061 exotic red-eared slider turtles from two women passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur via Singapore on December 6.

According to the official press release issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), specific intelligence was received that the passengers travelling on Flight TR-566 were attempting to smuggle wildlife species concealed inside their check-in baggage. Based on actionable input, Customs officers intercepted them upon arrival and subjected their luggage to detailed examination.

The scan and manual inspection revealed thousands of live red-eared slider turtles, an exotic species frequently trafficked for illegal pet trade and known for posing ecological risks when introduced into non-native environments. The animals were tightly packed in multiple containers inside the checked baggage.

Customs officials stated that the seizure has been made under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which strictly prohibits the illegal import of wildlife species. Both passengers were taken into custody for violating national wildlife and customs regulations.

The seized turtles have since been repatriated, ensuring that they do not enter India’s domestic ecosystem, which could otherwise trigger environmental disruption. Further investigation into the smuggling network, possible transit routes, and handlers is currently underway.

Customs authorities reiterated their commitment to curbing wildlife trafficking, which continues to remain a major transnational illegal trade associated with organised criminal syndicates.

The operation highlights the department’s enhanced surveillance, intelligence coordination, and proactive enforcement at international airports amid increasing cases of wildlife trafficking through air routes.

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