Officials from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Indian Customs Department found more than 700 red-eared slider turtles in the luggage of a passenger arriving from Bangkok at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The red-eared slider turtles, known as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species, were discovered during a routine check at the airport.
Upon noticing suspicious movements in the passenger’s luggage as he passed through the Green Channel, AIU officials detained him for further inspection. A total of 707 turtles were confiscated from his bag, identified as belonging to the red-eared slider species. The passenger was arrested on charges related to wildlife smuggling, and investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and destination of the turtles.
Red-eared sliders are popular in the Indian pet market due to their attractive appearance and ease of care, unlike native Indian turtles protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. However, the illegal importation of red-eared sliders poses a significant environmental threat because of their invasive nature. Wildlife activists warn that releasing these turtles into Indian waterbodies can harm native turtle species and pose health risks due to Salmonella bacteria they carry.
To prevent the entry of red-eared sliders into the Indian ecosystem, the customs department has a specific protocol for handling intercepted live turtles. These turtles are cared for, stabilized, and promptly sent back to their country of origin. This measure aims to safeguard India’s native turtle species and prevent potential ecological disruptions.
