Customs officials yesterday morning seized 557 black spotted turtles worth about Taka one crore from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital, reports BSS.
“We seized the turtles of different sizes kept in five trolley bags from exit gate no-3 of the airport around 10.45 in the morning,” assistant commissioner Prianka Das of airport customs told BSS.
The seized turtles were being smuggled to Vietnam, she said, adding that each of the turtle worth about $ 1000-2000.
None was, however, arrested to this end as the people, who were carrying the luggage, managed to flee the scene after being challenged by the customs officials.
The seized turtles were handed over to forest department, the customs official said.
An investigation has already initiated to this end and action will be taken against those who will be found responsible, she added.