Over 100 turtles seized near Bangladesh border

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday seized over 100 turtles while they were being smuggled to Bangladesh from West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, an official said.The seizure of 105 turtles was made during a special operation by the troopers of 152nd battalion attached to the Bithari border outpost in the district. 

"A BSF team challenged two people carrying gunny bags and going towards the international border. While the miscreants managed to escape, we have seized 105 turtles they were carrying in the bags," said a BSF officer. The reptiles, which were covered with cello tape, were handed over to forest officials. 

Their meat is considered a delicacy and the demand for turtles is high in Bangladesh and Myanmar.