300 endangered turtles rescued in Chandpur
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Forest Department conducted a daylong operation in various areas of Chandpur and recovered 300 endangered turtles.
The turtles belong to three endangered species: Sundhi Turtle, Kori Kaitta, and Yellow Turtle, with a total weight of 280 kilograms.
Confirming the matter, Ashim Mallik, Wildlife Inspector of WCCU, told The Business Standard, "After recovering a record number of turtles on December 10, we deployed sources to track the wildlife smuggling racket. Based on information provided by our sources, we conducted a daylong drive in four spots across two upazilas in Chandpur on Monday and managed to recover a total of 280 kilograms of turtles. All the turtles are alive."
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"Our preliminary investigation revealed that an unscrupulous group had been secretly conducting this illegal trade under the guise of dealing in eels for a long time. They collect these turtles from various water bodies across the country and smuggle them to India," Inspector Ashim added.
"The rescued turtles will be released into natural water bodies. Legal proceedings are underway against those involved in the trafficking," he added.
