Over 7,000 Turtles Seized from Smugglers in Khurda

Bhubaneswar: Forest Department officials seized over 7,000 turtles from a mini-truck in Khurda district today. The vehicle, bearing a West Bengal registration number, was illegally transporting the turtles.

Officials intercepted the mini-truck near Godipada toll gate on National Highway-16 and found the turtles packed in 400 trays, each containing at least 20 turtles. The reptiles were kept with ice, suggesting they were being trafficked for meat and trade.

The driver of the vehicle has been detained for questioning, and the Forest Department has launched an investigation into the smuggling network.

In October 2024, Forest Department officials had seized 500 live freshwater turtles from a vehicle in the Chitrakonda area of Malkangiri district. These turtles were being trafficked from Andhra Pradesh to MV-79 area.

Illegal trafficking of freshwater turtles remains a major issue, as they are often smuggled across the country for consumption and trade. Authorities are intensifying efforts to curb such wildlife crimes.