Bhubaneswar, June 25 -- The Forest Department on Thursday intercepted a major wildlife smuggling racket and seized a consignment of approximately 300 turtles near Padmagiri Chhak in Odisha's Malkangiri. The reptiles were being illegally transported across state borders from Andhra Pradesh into Malkangiri.

As per reports, officials also arrested three suspects at the scene and confiscated a four-wheeler used for the smuggling.

Acting on precise intelligence gathered through localised networks, a specialised team set up a strategic checkpoint to intercept the vehicle. Officials revealed that the smuggling ring was operating in anticipation of high profit margins driven by an escalating market demand for larger freshwater turtles.

"We are...