Man detained, star tortoises seized
Zahir Hussain, a native of Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, was detained when he tried to board a late night flight yesterday to Bangkok after concealment of 84 star tortoises was detected in his baggage.
Customs officials said the tortoises, an endangered species, could have a value of about Rs eight lakh in the illegal international market.
After questioning,customs officials handed over Zahir Hussain to the Forest Department authorities for further action under the relevant laws.