SEPANG: An Indian national was arrested at Terminal 1 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after authorities discovered 2,500 red-eared slider turtles worth an estimated RM348,000 hidden in his suitcase.
The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) said the man, who was scheduled to board a flight to Bengaluru, India, was detained at the departure gate at about 10.05pm on Tuesday.
“Acting on information, a team of KLIA’s MCBA personnel, along with the Aviation Security team, scanned his luggage, which revealed suspicious images.
“Further checks found thousands of red-eared slider turtles hidden in his suitcase.
“The exotic animals were seized for further investigations under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008,” the statement said.
Based on the images shared, the red-eared slider turtles — a semi-aquatic species — were found stuffed inside several plastic containers and small boxes before being placed in the suitcase.
MCBA said the successful seizure resulted from integrated inspections and close cooperation between KLIA’s MCBA, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Aviation Security, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad in tackling rampant wildlife smuggling
Red eared slider turtles are often smuggled due to their popularity in the exotic pet trade and status as an invasive species. High demand and import bans in many countries drive the illegal trade.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
