Fri Jul 18 12:53:11 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Customs Officials Seize 403 Live Tortoises at Tiruchi Airport**
**TIRUCHI, July 18, 2025** – Customs officials at Tiruchi International Airport intercepted two passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday and discovered a shocking haul of 403 live Indian Star tortoises hidden in their trolley bags. The seizure took place as the passengers were preparing to board a Batik Air flight.
The passengers and the tortoises have been turned over to the Forest Department in Tiruchi, where they will face action under the Wildlife Protection Act. The incident was announced via a post on the Trichy Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate’s X platform.
The Indian Star tortoise is a protected species, and the illegal trafficking of these animals is a serious offense. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combating wildlife smuggling and the vigilance of customs officials in preventing such crimes.
First Piper 