The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended 6 persons with 955 live baby Gangetic turtles of different species at Nagpur, Bhopal and Chennai .
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully apprehended six individuals in possession of 955 live baby Gangetic turtles of various species in Nagpur, Bhopal, and Chennai. This operation was a result of intelligence gathered by DRI officers, revealing a syndicate engaged in the illegal trafficking and trading of these turtles, some of which are classified as vulnerable or near-threatened species according to the IUCN Red List, and fall under Schedule I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The survival of these species is jeopardized by illegal trade and habitat degradation.
DRI officers strategically planned a nationwide operation to apprehend the offenders at different locations across the country and to rescue the turtles. Their concerted efforts led to the interception of six individuals and the recovery of 955 live baby turtles belonging to different species, including Indian Tent Turtle, Indian Flapshell Turtle, Crown River Turtle, Black spotted/Pond Turtle, and Brown Roofed Turtle, on September 30, 2023.
Following the initial seizure under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, both the perpetrators and the Gangetic turtles were handed over to the respective Forest Departments for further investigation. This operation is part of a series of crackdowns carried out by DRI in recent months, demonstrating their commitment to environmental preservation and combating illegal wildlife trafficking.
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