Indian authorities stopped a wildlife trafficking attempt during a routine traffic inspection in Odisha. The quick action helped save 51 Indian flapshell turtles and brought two suspects into custody.
Officers Stop Motorcycle and Find Turtles Hidden in Bags
During a check at Kamarguda Village Culvert in Malkangiri district, officers noticed a motorcycle that looked suspicious.
They stopped the vehicle and opened two gunny bags.
Inside, they found 51 turtles packed tightly inside the sacks.
The two men on the motorcycle — Suraj Mandal and Jayanta Bachhad — tried to move the turtles from Vemullarai to Odisha for illegal trading and meat use.
Authorities arrested both men and charged them under India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
Why Wildlife Trafficking Remains a Serious Threat
The Indian flapshell turtle is a protected species.
Although the turtle is not endangered, India’s Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule I) gives it full legal protection.
Therefore:
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No one can hunt, kill, or trade this species
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Courts do not offer bail for these crimes
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Penalties include jail time and fines
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (India), traffickers target this turtle more than any other turtle in the country. They want its meat, which keeps the illegal market active.
However, wildlife trafficking harms many species. It pushes vulnerable animals closer to extinction and destroys ecosystems.
India and Other Countries Intensify Action Against Smugglers
India has increased its crackdown on illegal animal trade.
For example, officers in Odisha recently seized leopard skins, and police in Chennai broke a large bird-trafficking network.
Meanwhile, several countries are also taking action:
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In California, officials stopped a major poaching ring targeting endangered sturgeon and salmon
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In Spain, police broke a wildlife trafficking network that included 17 endangered species
As more countries strengthen enforcement, wildlife smugglers face greater risks and fewer opportunities to continue their trade.
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