Wildlife smugglers active in Odisha! DRI seizes 1448 Indian flap shell turtles in Khordha

In a successful operation, the officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have arrested one person allegedly involved in the smuggling of turtles in Odisha.

The DRI officials also seized 1448 Indian Flap Shell Turtles following a raid at Godipada Toll Plaza in Khordha district. The vehicle used in the crime has also been seized, officials said on Monday.

Senior DRI officials informed that Indian Flap Shell Turtles are classified as a Schedule I species and accorded stringent protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

The DRI remains committed to combating wildlife trafficking and enforcing the laws that protect endangered species. 

Past Incidents

In March 2024, the DRI officials had foiled a major wildlife trafficking attempt and rescued over 300 Indian Tent Turtles in Odisha. Acting on specific intelligence, officers of DRI carried out surveillance near Manguli Toll Plaza, Cuttack, and intercepted a vehicle.

These are not isolated incidents as several instances of illegal trafficking of turtles have been reported from different parts of Odisha at regular intervals.

Also Read: 117 turtles rescued at Bhubaneswar station, 4 arrested for trafficking

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel rescued 117 live turtles from Bhubaneswar Railway station when they were being illegally transported in the Utkal Express train in the month of May last year. Four persons, including a woman, were arrested in this connection.