DRI stops illegal transportation of 436 baby Indian Tent Turtles in Lucknow

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) acting upon specific intelligence gathered by the Lucknow Zonal Unit, seized 436 baby Indian Tent turtles from a person illegally transporting them interstate.

The individual had acquired a shipment of young Gangetic turtles in Kanpur and was driving a bus through Varanasi to deliver them to West Bengal so they could be sold on the black market. Early yesterday morning, the DRI officials in Varanasi stopped and checked the aforementioned bus. They found 436 newborn Indian Tent turtles and detained one person along with them.

Following the initial seizure made under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the case was given to the Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Forest Department for additional investigation. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972’s Schedule 1 lists the Indian Tent Turtle as a protected species.

DRI, Lucknow has rescued 1721 baby Gangetic turtles in 5 different cases this Financial Year in an endeavour to protect the environment. Illegal trade and habitat degradation are major threats to these species.