DRI seizes 164 turtles, nabs 1 from Patna

Patna, India: The Patna unit of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has made a significant breakthrough in their crackdown on wildlife smugglers by recovering 164 turtles and arresting a woman at Patna Junction. The seized turtles include 65 Indian Tent Turtles and 99 Indian Roofed Turtles. The Indian Tent Turtles and Indian Roofed Turtles are protected species under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. According to DRI sources, a team identified and intercepted a female carrier at Patna Junction. The woman had transported these species of turtles from Kanpur via train for delivery in Patna. During the search, 164 live turtles were found in her possession, sources said, adding the accused was later handed over to the forest department for further action. Confirming this, DFO Gourav Ojha said the woman was produced before a Patna court which sent her to judicial custody. The endangered turtles later, as per the court directives, were released to their natural habitat. He further said the action by the DRI demonstrates the organization's firm stance against wildlife smuggling.

Source:(Times of India)