Chennai man caught smuggling 16 exotic snakes at Mumbai airport

In a significant crackdown on wildlife smuggling, the Customs officials at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport arrested a man from Chennai for attempting to smuggle 16 live exotic snakes into India from Thailand. This marks the third major wildlife trafficking case at the airport in July alone, raising fresh concerns over rising illegal animal trade through international terminals.

Snakes Hidden in Cotton Bags Inside Luggage

The accused, identified as Goodman Linford Leo (34), arrived in Mumbai on Friday night on a flight from Bangkok. During routine baggage checks, customs officials noticed suspicious activity and inspected his luggage thoroughly. Inside, they found multiple cotton bags containing live snakes, all of which belonged to rare or exotic species.

"Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai, Customs Zone-III foiled yet another wildlife smuggling attempt. 16 live snakes—Garter, Rhino Rat, Albino Rat, Kenyan Sand Boa, CA King, etc.—seized from passenger returning from Thailand. Passenger arrested. Further investigation underway," the department posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The seized reptiles included:

2 Kenyan Sand Boas
5 Rhinoceros Rat Snakes
3 Albino Snakes
2 Honduran Milk Snakes
1 California Kingsnake
2 Garter Snakes
1 Albino Rat Snake

Most of the species were non-venomous or had venom too weak to harm humans, officials confirmed.

Suspected Link to Global Smuggling Network

Leo has been booked under the Customs Act and remains in custody. Authorities suspect his involvement in an international wildlife trafficking syndicate, and an investigation is currently underway to trace the wider network.

This incident underscores the growing menace of illegal exotic pet trade in India and the urgent need for stricter surveillance at major entry points.