Malkangiri Forest Officials Rescue 631 Turtles, Seven Arrested in Smuggling Crackdown

In a major wildlife rescue operation, the Forest Department in Malkangiri, Odisha, seized 631 live turtles during a raid near the Motu border with Andhra Pradesh.

Acting on intelligence inputs, officials intercepted smugglers transporting the turtles in 38 trays, weighing nearly two tonnes.

The crackdown led to the arrest of seven individuals, including traders from both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Authorities also confiscated a four-wheeler, two motorcycles, and six mobile phones used in the illegal trade.

Officials estimate the turtles’ value in the black market to be several lakh rupees, highlighting the scale of the trafficking network.

This incident follows a similar rescue on March 1, when nearly 200 turtles were recovered in Malkangiri.

Forest officials suspect the accused are part of a larger cross‑border smuggling syndicate and have launched further investigations to identify others involved.

The department has reiterated its commitment to intensifying enforcement against wildlife trafficking in the region.