Malkangiri: In a major crackdown on wildlife smuggling, Malkangiri Forest Department seized 155 live flap-shell turtles and an auto near Tamasa village under Malkangiri Forest Range.
According to forest officials, the Malkangiri Range Officer received a tip-off about illegal turtle smuggling in the area on Tuesday. Acting on the information, a team rushed to the spot.
On seeing the forest department vehicle, the auto driver and the smuggler abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
On inspection of the auto, officials recovered 155 live flap-shell turtles.
The Forest Department has registered a case and efforts are on to identify and arrest the accused involved in the smuggling.
