130 Indian turtles seized at Dhaka airport

At least 130 Indian pond turtles were seized by Dhaka Customs House at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday.

The turtles were suspected to be smuggled to Malaysia, Mostafa Jamal, assistant revenue officer of Dhaka Customs House, told The Daily Star.    

He said they seized the turtles following secret information.

No one was arrested and the turtles were handed over to the Forest Department, Mostafa said.

Talking to The Daily Star, Ashim Mallick, inspector of wildlife at the Forest Department, said, "Indian pond turtles are very popular in Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan and China, where they are used in soups and other cuisines." 

Each of the turtles weighing 200 to 300 grams is sold at Tk 3,000 to Tk 4,000 in those countries," he said, adding that smuggling of turtles is very profitable.

The turtles were released in a pond of Bangabandhu Safari Park in Gazipur, he added.