It’s being called the “largest-ever wildlife haul in the country,” and it’s certainly something to celebrate. Days ago, more than four tons of endangered turtles were rescued by police in Uttar Pradesh after a smuggling ring in India was busted.

Exactly 6,430 flapshell turtles that live in freshwater environments were found stuff into 140 jute bags. They were en route to Southeast Asia to be slaughtered but fortunately, were confiscated by law enforcement workers.

As GoodNewsNetwork reports, the flapshell turtles are highly sought after, as their meat and shells typically sell for 1,000 to 8,000 rupees ($14 to $117), depending on how large or small they are. This continues, despite the reptiles being protected by the Endangered Species Act.

Commented Arvind Chaturvedi, the head of the state’s Special Task Force that rescued the turtles:

“Wildlife authorities confirmed that this is the largest haul in the country’s wildlife history, both in terms of number and weight — 4.4 tonnes.”

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