Officials seize haul of 5,000 turtles in passenger luggage
Malaysia customs officials had an eventful day last week, seizing a large haul of drugs and more than 5,000 turtles from passenger luggage.
Senior customs official Zulkarnain Mohamed Yusof said two Indian travellers were caught with 5,255 red-ear slider baby turtles crammed in small baskets inside their luggage.
It is thought they picked the turtles up in China or Hong Kong as they arrived at Kuala Lumpur Airport on a flight from Guangzhou.
They are estimated to be worth about $12,700 and were to be sold as pets in India.
The two men face up to five years in jail and a fine, Zulkarnain said.
The red-ear slider is one of the most common turtle species in the wildlife trade.
A permit is required for importation, which neither of the two men had.
"This is the first such case of the year. it appears to be quite a large quantity in two suitcases found at the same time," Zulkurnain added.
At the same time in a separate incident, two suspected drug mules were caught with 14.34 kilogrammes of meth worth an estimated value of $174,000.
They were also both from India and if charged could face the death penalty.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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