The Customs officials at Cochin International Airport seized 11 rare and protected exotic bird from a couple travelling with their minor child upon arrival from Thailand via Kuala Lumpur. The interception was made by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) after specific profiling and intelligence inputs.
During inspection of their baggage, officers discovered multiple small cages hidden inside a large suitcase, with the birds found sedated to remain silent through the flight and immigration processes. Officials stated that sedation is a frequent method used by traffickers to bypass screening systems and prevent noise-related alerts during transit.
Preliminary investigation suggests the possibility of the couple acting as carriers for an organised international trafficking network that supplies exotic birds to private collectors and underground breeding markets. Authorities stated that families with children are often recruited due to their lower risk profile at airport checks, with promised commissions upon delivery of the smuggled wildlife.
The family’s travel movements and communication records are now under verification to identify handlers and recipients behind the operation.
The exotic birds recovered include six Visayan Hornbills, two Iris Lorikeets, and three Lutino Sun Conures.
All seized birds fall under Appendix I or II of CITES, making transport without permits strictly illegal. These species are known to command high value in the illegal exotic pet market due to rarity and restricted breeding.
The primary accused has been identified as Marvan Nachi, 36, of Malappuram, who has been arrested. His wife and seven-year-old child were released after recording statements. Nachi has been booked under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, and will be produced before the jurisdictional magistrate.
Forest and intelligence units are conducting parallel inquiries to trace the market chain and the financiers of the operation.
Veterinary teams confirmed the birds are stable, though sedated, and have begun necessary feeding and recovery support. As per international wildlife protocols, the birds will remain under official custody until arrangements are made for repatriation to Thailand on the next direct flight.
The interception reflects the increasing trend of exotic species smuggling into India through Southeast Asia corridors. Enforcement units have heightened scrutiny at airports, especially for families returning from high-risk destinations identified in wildlife trafficking routes.
Authorities indicated that more arrests could follow as the investigation expands to trace the financers, intermediaries, and end buyers of the smuggling chain.
