Customs foils attempt to smuggle 5,000 terrapins
SEPANG: Customs officers arrested two Indian nationals attempting to smuggle more than 5,000 terrapins into the country to be sold as pets, its officials said yesterday.
Malaysia, home to rare animals such as orangutans and tigers, has become a hub for wildlife trafficking.
The men, aged 30 and 42, were detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 last Thursday after they arrived from China with 5,255 red-eared terrapins.
The creatures — packed into plastic containers in two suitcases — were worth RM52,550, said Central Zone Customs assistant director-general Datuk Zulkurnain Mohamed Yusuf.
Some died on the journey, but a large number survived.
“Initial investigations found that they were brought here for the purpose of being brought to India,” Zulkurnain said.
Red-eared terrapins, also known as red-eared sliders, are popular pets and can be found in many shops globally.
While they are not an endangered species and are commonly traded, permits are required to import them into Malaysia.
The suspects did not have proper documents and would face up to five years in jail and a fine, if convicted.
Zulkurnain said the two men had been remanded and the terrapins would be handed over to relevant officials.
Kanitha Krishnasamy, regional director of the wildlife trade watchdog Traffic, said the case was “bizarre” as trading in terrapins was legal.
“What is clear is how crazy the pet trade has become.”
Customs officials had in the past seized animal parts at airports here, but it was unusual for them to find a huge stash of live creatures.