Forest officials in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh, have intercepted a gang attempting to smuggle rare wildlife, including African pythons, a serval cat, and tortoises.

The incident took place near Ichchapuram at the Andhra-Odisha border, specifically in Srikakulam district on November 12.

Visuals showed police intercepted a large vehicle, resembling a transport car, where the suspects were smuggling various rare animals. The vehicle, a white and dusty van, was parked at the border between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Inside, the officers discovered numerous cages and containers holding different species. Among the seized animals were a seven-year-old African sulcata tortoise.

During the search, authorities seized 21 animals, including a seven-year-old African sulcata tortoise, two young tortoises, a four-month-old serval cat, and 17 African ball pythons. The accused, identified as Sayaz, Vijay, and Mujait from Karnataka, were arrested and have been taken to court following case registration.

Animal Husbandry Department AD Chandrasekhar confirmed that the animals are stable and are being transferred to Visakhapatnam Zoo after receiving medical care. Ranger Murali Krishnam Naidu emphasized that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in this illegal wildlife trade, underscoring the need for cooperative efforts between forest officials and law enforcement to tackle wildlife trafficking.