Ninja Turtle Gang Members Arrested in Malaysia Tortoises Seized in Wildlife Trafficking Bust

Malaysian authorities have made a significant breakthrough in wildlife crime enforcement, arresting six individuals linked to the notorious "Ninja Turtle Gang" and seizing approximately 200 smuggled tortoises and turtles in Kuala Lumpur. The operation, conducted on July 2nd at a residence in the city, involved a joint effort by police and wildlife officials.

According to Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, director-general of Malaysia's wildlife and national parks department, the raid resulted in the rescue of around 200 turtles and tortoises valued at approximately 246,394 ringgit ($52,300). This marks the second major seizure in Malaysia within a week, following an initial raid on June 29th where 400 tortoises, worth a staggering $805,084 on the black market, were intercepted.

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The rescued animals included critically endangered species like the Chinese striped-necked turtle, also known as the golden thread turtle, alongside other vulnerable species such as the black pond turtle, snapping turtle, sulcata tortoise, leopard tortoise, and red-footed tortoise from South America and the Caribbean islands.

Abdul Kadir highlighted that preliminary investigations indicated these reptiles were smuggled into Malaysia to feed the lucrative exotic pet trade. The haul also included three snakes, four softshell turtles, a skink, and five frogs, underscoring the diversity of illegally trafficked wildlife discovered.

These animals are typically smuggled into Malaysia through various means, including overland routes and concealed in luggage on commercial flights. The confiscated reptiles are currently under quarantine at a Malaysian wildlife department facility.

Southeast Asia, according to Traffic, an NGO specializing in wildlife conservation, serves as a hub for wildlife trafficking, acting both as a source and destination for animals originating from within the region and worldwide. This latest operation underscores Malaysia's commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species threatened by exploitation for superstitious beliefs and the exotic pet market.