Mumbai, July 29: In a significant breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully thwarted an elaborate attempt to smuggle 306 live exotic animals into India through air cargo at Mumbai airport on Friday, said an official. The seized animals included various endangered species such as turtles, tortoises, crabs, alligator gar, and stingrays.

“Among the confiscated animals were rare species of Turtles, including the Yellow Spotted Turtle, Albino Red Eared Slider Turtle, Asian/Chinese Leaf Turtle, and Red Bellied Short Head Turtle. In addition, Tortoises like the Greek Tortoise, Red-footed tortoise, and Asian Spurred Tortoise were found in the smuggling attempt,” said the officials. Mumbai Airport Bomb Threat: Panic at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport After Woman Claims to Carry Bomb in Bag When Asked to Pay Extra for Her Luggage.

DRI Seizes 306 Live Exotic Animals at Mumbai Airport

The endangered wildlife were attempted to be smuggled into India in contravention of Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at Air Cargo Mumbai by concealing under other varieties of ornamental fishes. Mumbai Customs Department Arrest Man At Airport For Trying to Smuggle 9000 Grams Gold Worth Rs 4.62 Crore (See Pics).

The wildlife smugglers concealed these protected creatures under the guise of other varieties of ornamental fish, they added.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)