Malkangiri: In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, forest officials of Malkangiri district seized 85 Indian Flap Shell Turtles during an operation near Anantapally village under Motu Forest Range.
Acting on reliable intelligence inputs about the illegal transportation of turtles by an organised gang, a joint team of Motu Range forest staff and Revenue officials conducted a targeted raid and intercepted two suspicious motorcycles heading toward the MPV-81 area.
Upon inspection, officials discovered 85 live Indian Flap Shell Turtles concealed inside one gunny bag and two plastic bags, reportedly being transported for illegal trading purposes.
In addition to the turtles, the enforcement team seized two motorcycles, two mobile phones, and the bags used in the transport.
Three persons were arrested in connection with the case for violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They were produced before the Judicial Magistrate Court for further legal proceedings.
The Malkangiri Forest Division has intensified surveillance in the region to curb wildlife smuggling and illegal trade activities.
