AIU officers seize 199 Indian Star tortoises, Black Pond turtles at Mumbai airport

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Oct. 14 (ANI): The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers have seized 199 Indian Star tortoises and Black Pond turtles allegedly from two passengers travelling on UAE passports at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The AIU officers intercepted two passengers - Marwan Ali Hassan and Sultan Ibrahim Ali Alfaqi, both holding UAE passports - who were found carrying 199 live turtles in four bags. Both passengers are reportedly employed with the Dubai Police Department. A case has been registered in this connection. The seized turtles and tortoise specified under Scheduled I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and both passengers were handed over to the office of Assistant Wildlife Wardens, Thane, for further action under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, said AIU officers, adding that they would arrest and produce them before the Judicial Magistrate. The AIU officers said their investigation under The Customs Act, 1962 for attempted smuggling through airport would continue. (ANI)