Trichy Customs officials intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok and recovered several exotic and protected species concealed in his check-in luggage. The seizure was made on November 23, 2025, based on specific intelligence inputs indicating that the traveller intended to smuggle the species into India via Trichy International Airport.

According to the press release issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Tiruchirappalli, the passenger landed by Flight TR-566 from Bangkok. Customs officers, acting on prior intelligence, subjected the traveller’s baggage to detailed examination, leading to the discovery of rare wildlife animals and birds packed in two suitcases.

Wildlife Seized

The following species were recovered 01 albino raccoon, 06 pygmy marmosets, 06 white-necked mynas, 01 Sulawesi myna, and 04 yellow-faced mynas (found dead).

Many of these species fall under protection standards of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and their illegal transport constitutes a serious offence. Some of these birds are known to be vulnerable or endangered and are part of illegal international trafficking networks.

Legal Action and Repatriation

Customs authorities confirmed that a case has been registered under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. The accused passenger was arrested and the rescued animals were repatriated to their country of origin in coordination with wildlife authorities and international agencies.

The department noted that such smuggling attempts pose ecological threats, risk of zoonotic diseases, and contribute to illegal wildlife trade networks, which India, as a CITES signatory, actively combats.

Ongoing Investigation

Further probe is underway to determine the network involved in the trafficking route, potential handlers, and whether organised syndicates played a role in the attempted smuggling.

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