Man detained, star tortoises seized

A 28-year-old man has been detained and 84 star tortoises seized from his baggage at the airport here, Customs authorities said today.

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.