A curious case unfolded at Changi Airport when an Indian national was caught with 58 Indian star tortoises in his luggage. Abdul Jaffar Haji Ali, 40, was sentenced to 16 months in jail after being convicted of illegally importing endangered species into Singapore.
The Journey Begins
Jaffar was en route to Jakarta on 29 August 2024, having flown in from Chennai. He had agreed to help a friend, identified only as “Bhai”, by transporting a piece of luggage that he was told contained women’s clothing. The reality, however, was far from what was claimed.
- 58 Indian star tortoises found
- One tortoise was already dead
- 22 others were assessed as “thin” due to poor conditions
Uncovering the Truth
Upon arrival at Changi Airport, officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority noticed anomalies in Jaffar’s luggage. Upon opening it, the concealed tortoises were discovered, wrapped in cloth bundles. Interestingly, despite prior warnings about the illegal trade of these animals, Jaffar chose not to verify the contents of the luggage.
The National Parks Board (NParks) highlighted the importance of strict regulations surrounding wildlife trade. The Indian star tortoise is listed as a highly endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The distressing condition of the tortoises emphasises the consequences of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Regulatory Backing
According to NParks, wildlife can introduce diseases to humans and disrupt local ecosystems. They stressed that Singapore’s laws serve to protect both the fragile wildlife and public health. In this case, Jaffar lacked the necessary permits to import such a species, leading to his conviction.
Impact on Wildlife
As conservation efforts intensify globally, instances like this remind us of the ongoing struggle against wildlife trafficking. The Indian star tortoise, known for its distinctive star-patterned shell, is among the many threatened species facing extinction due to illegal trade.
In the words of the court, “At all material times, the accused had ample opportunity to check and verify the contents of the luggage himself.” The case is a stark reminder for travellers to be vigilant about their responsibilities when it comes to cargo that may not belong to them.