Malkangiri, Ap 28: In a major crackdown against wildlife trafficking, Forest Department officials in Odisha seized 473 rare turtles from a pick-up van near the Motu area of Malkangiri district, close to the Andhra Pradesh border.

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The turtles, found tightly packed in large sacks, were reportedly being smuggled for illegal sale, with each reptile fetching nearly Rs 1,000. 

While the driver and an accomplice managed to escape, officials confirmed that the turtles were being transported from Andhra Pradesh into Odisha.

Sources indicated that the rescued turtles would soon be released into a nearby river. 

This operation highlights growing concerns about an expanding turtle smuggling network operating between Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Malkangiri.

Earlier this month, forest officials had seized over 400 turtles during a similar operation in the Motu forest range. 

As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, trafficking protected species can result in imprisonment of up to seven years along with substantial fines.

The Forest Department continues to strengthen its surveillance efforts and intensify crackdowns to combat wildlife crimes across the region.