📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Jainosh7777
Crime
Indore Tiger Strike Force busts turtle smuggling ring, seizes 30 protected turtles
✍️ Amar Ujala · Indore
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 11:33 AM
👁 4
The State Tiger Strike Force in Indore arrested two suspects and recovered 30 rare protected turtles, uncovering links to an international smuggling network.
The State Tiger Strike Force operating in Indore detained two individuals after a raid that yielded thirty rare turtles protected under national and international law. The seized reptiles include species listed in the CITES appendix, highlighting the seriousness of the offence.
Police officials said the suspects were part of a broader network that moves protected turtles across borders for illegal trade. Interrogations have produced substantial leads pointing to contacts in other countries, suggesting an organised international smuggling operation.
The turtles will be handed over to the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department for proper care and possible re‑introduction, while investigators continue to trace the supply chain and file charges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and relevant anti‑smuggling statutes.
Police officials said the suspects were part of a broader network that moves protected turtles across borders for illegal trade. Interrogations have produced substantial leads pointing to contacts in other countries, suggesting an organised international smuggling operation.
The turtles will be handed over to the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department for proper care and possible re‑introduction, while investigators continue to trace the supply chain and file charges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and relevant anti‑smuggling statutes.