15 endangered loggerhead sea turtles seized in Meghalaya

PTI SHILLONG, FEBRUARY 23 Fifteen endangered loggerhead turtles which were being smuggled out to Bangladesh through Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district, have been seized by Border Security Force (BSF). The turtles were found on Monday in a bag left by the smugglers at the side of a road at Dumnikora area of the district during a chase by the force personnel, BSF spokesperson said. The BSF personnel, who were deployed in the area, got suspicious and chased two motorcycle-borne persons who were carrying the bag this morning and were proceeding from Baghmara to Gasuapara on NH-62.The spokesperson said when the two were asked by the BSF to stop, they revved up speed and fled dropping the bag containing the turtles, which were being smuggled to Bangladesh. The loggerhead turtles are protected under schedule I and IV of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and have a huge demand in the international market for their medicinal value. BSF also seized eight cattle worth Rs.3.4 while being smuggled out to Bangladesh through South West Khasi Hills district in the past 36 hours, the spokesperson added.