Malaysia returns hundreds of smuggled star tortoises to India

CHENNAI: The Malaysian Government on Tuesday returned to India hundreds of star tortoises, which were smuggled out of the country last month.

Airport sources said that a passenger from here was arrested by Malaysian authorities and 303 star tortoises were siezed from him following a search.

The endangered species, valued at Rs five lakh in the international market, were sent back to India in an Indian Airlines cargo flight.

Forest Department Deputy Director Maran received the tortoises from airport officials.

Star tortoises are being frequently smuggled as there is a huge demand in the South-East for their reported medicinal properties.