Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 22 (ANI): Three poachers who were trying to smuggle turtles from Etawah to Uttarakhand were arrested near Anant Ram toll plaza in Uttar Pradesh, police said on late Sunday.

A total of 13 live turtles of protected species were recovered from the accused by a joint team of the Forest Department and Special Task Force.

Also Read | Two Saudi Astronauts on Falcon 9 Rocket to the ISS.

"A total of 13 live turtles of protected species were recovered. The accused have been taken into custody. Further probe underway," said, Atul Kant Shukla, Divisional Director Forest, Etawah.

Earlier in February this year, acting on a tip-off, Railway Protection Force personnel recovered 150 turtles from a sleeper class bogie of the North East Express at Uttar Pradesh's Deen Dayal Upadhyay junction and detained nine people in this connection.

Also Read | Uma Bharti Health Update: Ex-Madhya Pradesh CM Hospitalised After Feeling Unwell in Bhopal.

It was also revealed that the turtles were being taken from the Sangam coast of Prayagraj to Katihar in Bihar to be sold in villages there. (ANI)

(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)