In a significant operation, the DRI Mumbai Zonal unit successfully apprehended 306 live exotic animals that were being smuggled into India from Thailand via the Air Cargo Complex in Mumbai. The seizure took place in clear 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, Sahar, Mumbai and a total of 100 turtles, 62 tortoises, 110 snails, 30 juvenile crabs and 4 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 Redear Slider Turtle, Asian/Chinese Leaf Turtle and Red bellied Short Head Turtle. Further action under wildlife law for rehabilitation of the 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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