Malkangiri: In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, Forest department officials in Malkangiri district seized more than 400 rare turtles during a raid in the Motu Forest range on Thursday. Four persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
According to reports, the rescued turtles, which were being illegally transported, were intercepted before they could be smuggled out of the region. The seizure also included a pickup van, two motorcycles, and three mobile phones used in the illicit trade.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team led by Forest Officer Rashmi Ranjan Swain conducted the raid. Investigations revealed that the turtles were being trafficked from Andhra Pradesh, through Chhattisgarh, and into Odisha’s Malkangiri district.
A detailed investigation is underway to trace the larger network behind the smuggling ring and prevent further wildlife trafficking in the region.
