The Motu Forest Department in Malkangiri district successfully seized 473 live turtles being smuggled from Andhra Pradesh to Odisha.
The turtles were found packed in 13 sacks during a late-night operation at the Andhra-Odisha border. The forest officials also confiscated a Bolero vehicle used for transportation, though the smugglers managed to escape.
Acting on a tip-off, M.V-79 Ranger Rashmi Ranjan Swain, along with Forester Murali Angulia and other staff, laid a trap at the Motu checkpoint.
At around 3 a.m., the team intercepted the vehicle and discovered the turtles hidden in sacks.
The seized turtles and vehicle have been kept at the M.V-79 forest office, and further investigations are underway to identify those involved in the smuggling network.
This operation marks another success for the Motu Forest Department, which has previously thwarted similar smuggling attempts.
