A 40-year-old Indian man, Abdul Jaffar Haji Ali, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being convicted for unlawfully importing 58 Indian star tortoises into Singapore. The tortoises were discovered on August 29, 2023, when Jaffar arrived at Changi Airport from India on his way to Jakarta, Indonesia.
Jaffar had been instructed by a friend, identified as “Bhai,” to transport a piece of luggage containing what was claimed to be women’s clothing. However, upon inspection, immigration officers discovered that the bag contained 58 Indian star tortoises, a threatened species listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
The tortoises, which were found wrapped in a cloth bundle, had suffered during transport. One of the animals was already dead, and 22 others were deemed to be in poor health. A veterinary examination revealed that the conditions under which the tortoises were transported violated international animal welfare standards, as the luggage lacked adequate ventilation and was too flimsy to protect the animals from injury.
According to the National Parks Board (NParks), Jaffar had been planning a holiday to Jakarta, where he also intended to purchase women’s clothing for his business in India. As part of the arrangement, “Bhai” covered Jaffar’s travel expenses and lodging. In return, Jaffar agreed to transport the luggage, but he did not inquire further when “Bhai” told him it contained clothing.
The court heard that Jaffar had been sent an article about the seizure of star tortoises in India on July 16, prior to his departure. Despite receiving this information, Jaffar did not question his friend about the contents of the luggage. Instead, he accepted the package at Chennai International Airport on August 28 without inspecting its contents.
Upon arriving at Changi Airport on August 29, Jaffar was flagged for a routine screening. Immigration officers discovered the tortoises inside the luggage, leading to their immediate seizure. The animals were later sent to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation, where they were assessed. A vet confirmed that the conditions of transport had caused unnecessary suffering to the tortoises, with the lack of ventilation and improper packing heightening the risk of suffocation and injury.
Jaffar pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawfully importing the tortoises into Singapore. In his sentencing on December 10, the court acknowledged the harm caused to the animals but noted that Jaffar had been complicit in the illegal smuggling operation.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in Singapore, a key transit point for illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia. Singapore authorities, including the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and NParks, continue to monitor and enforce strict regulations to protect endangered species and prevent the illegal movement of wildlife.
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