GUANGZHOU, China (UPI) -- China sentenced seven members of an international tortoise smuggling ring to prison after the attempted to transport more than 300 turtles on a plane from Madagascar into China.

Wildlife Conservation Society reported the sentences included an 11-year prison term for the leader of the ring and a 5-year sentence for an airport employee who aided the group.

"This sentencing sends a strong message to illegal wildlife dealers that the punishment for these activities will fit the severity of the crime," WCS Coordinator of Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Conservation Brian D. Horne said. WCS is glad to have provided chelonian expertise for the prosecution.

The ring was discovered when the airport employee was caught carrying two knapsacks filled with 316 tortoises on Feb 3, 2015.

Police managed to rescue 130 additional tortoises while arresting the entire group as well as buyers from Beijing and Guangxi.

"Through the arrest and sentencing of these smugglers, many radiated tortoises were saved—both directly through the confiscation of the animals, and by the message sent by the sentencing," Executive Director of WCS's Asia Program Aili Kang said. These deterrents are necessary if we are going to protect the natural heritage of our global communities.

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