KOCHI: A Malaysia-bound Malayali passenger was arrested by Customs officials at the Nedumbassery airport on Monday, while trying to smuggle 199 start turtles.
Mahesh of Perumbavoor, who had concealed the turtles in his baggage, was apprehended when he was about to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur.
“We checked his baggage after his behaviour was found to be suspicious, and recovered 199 live star turtles. He did not possess documents permitting him to export such endangered species from India,” said Customs officials.