KUALA LUMPUR: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) believes that the case of a recent foiled attempt to smuggle 5,200 red-eared turtles from Malaysia to India is linked to a similar incident that occurred in September.
Its director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said as such, the department is investigating whether the case involves a syndicate engaged in cross-border wildlife smuggling activities.
Abdul Kadir added that the department is actively working to identify the network behind such illicit operation.
"This latest case is believed to have ties to a similar incident in September when 4,986 red-eared turtles were seized at the same Indian airport," he told the New Straits Times.
It was reported yesterday that the Indian Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 5,000 red-eared slider turtles from Malaysia. ()
Two passengers, who arrived with the exotic wildlife species on a flight from Malaysia, were arrested along with those waiting to receive the smuggled cargo on Tuesday.
The authorities sent the seized 5,193 turtles back to Malaysia the same day, the Chennai Customs Department said on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said Malaysia Airports has taken steps to address the issue of wildlife smuggling, through cooperation with airlines and all relevant agencies in their respective enforcement activities.
All airports under Malaysia Airports, said MAHB, utilise an approved automated baggage screening system.
"KLIA has five levels of screening that are calibrated to detect weapons, explosives, devices, articles and substances that pose a danger to the airport community, passengers, and crew on board aircraft.
"Capturing and prosecuting traffickers of illegal/illicit drugs and wildlife under the jurisdiction of existing relevant laws, fall under the purview of other relevant agencies.
"This includes Customs Department, Perhilitan, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services, and the police," it said when contacted recently.
It added that Malaysia Airports is also currently working with customs intelligence of other international airports to gain insights into recent smuggling trends and challenges in combating trafficking.