TV
In what appears to be a growing trend in international wildlife trafficking, customs officials at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have intercepted a fresh case of exotic animal smuggling, just weeks after a similar breakthrough at Bhubaneswar airport.
The Customs Department, in a post on X, said that an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok on May 31 was arrested after officials discovered a collection of rare and protected reptiles concealed in his baggage.
The instance marked the second major seizure within a week involving travellers from Thailand, suggesting a larger network operating between Southeast Asia and Indian airports.
Mumbai Haul Uncovers Rare and Protected Species
The Mumbai operation, carried out by alert customs officers acting on specific intelligence, led to the recovery of several rare species.
Among the animals found were three live Spider Tailed Horned Vipers, several Asian Leaf Turtles, and forty-four Indonesian Pit Vipers, of which one was found dead.
All of these species are protected under various wildlife conservation laws, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The passenger reportedly appeared nervous during routine questioning, prompting a more thorough inspection that led to the discovery. The animals were being transported without valid permits, raising alarms about a growing smuggling route that exploits lax checks on exotic wildlife at airports.
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Pattern of Trafficking Through Air Routes Emerges
In March, customs officials at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport intercepted a similar shipment from a Bangkok passenger that included a chameleon, monitor lizard, snakes, and several turtles, all being smuggled in as part of a suspected wildlife trafficking operation.
The Odisha Forest Department and Snake Helpline members were called in to assist with the rescue and investigation, which remains ongoing. Preliminary findings suggested that these animals were being funnelled into the black market pet trade across India.
The repeated use of international flights and airports as transit points for wildlife smuggling has put Indian enforcement agencies on high alert, with a need for stricter checks and coordinated action between customs, wildlife departments, and international agencies.
