By Divyesh Singh: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) of the Mumbai Zonal unit successfully rescued 306 live exotic animals that were being smuggled into India from Thailand via the Air Cargo Complex in Mumbai.
The seizure took place in violation of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
A consignment, declared to contain live ornamental fishes was intercepted by officers of DRI at 4 am on July 28 at the Air Cargo Complex in Mumbai’s Saha. A total of 100 turtles, 62 tortoises,110 snails, 30 juvenile crabs and four sting-ray fishes, which were concealed with the declared ornamental fishes, were recovered.
The tortoises and turtles recovered belong to the species Greek tortoise, red-footed tortoise, Asian spurred tortoise, yellow-spotted turtle, albino red ear slider turtle, Asian/Chinese leaf turtle and red-bellied short head Turtle.
Further action under wildlife law for the rehabilitation of exotic animals is being taken in consultation with officials of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Maharashtra.
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