Chennai, Aug. 5 (PTI): As many as 333 live star tortoises, meant for smuggling to Malayisa, were seized from a passenger at Anna International Airport here.

The endangered species were found kept in 11 plastic containers concealed inside a zipper bag last night, a release from the Office of the Commissioner of Customs here today.

It said one Vavanan Naina Mohamed Abdul Kasim Sarbhudin (42), a native of Ilayangudi in Sivaganga district, completed check-in and immigration facilities and was passing through the Customs counter when he was questioned on suspicion.

Further examination of his baggages revealed the concealment of star tortoises, which were valued at Rs five lakh in the international market.

Sarbhudin said the zipper bag was handed over to him inside the airport by one Shahjahan and he agreed to carry it for a monetary consideration of Rs 2,000.

The tortoises were handed over to Wildlife authorities along with the passenger.

This was the second such seizure effected by Customs in a span of one week, the release added.