The officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok and uncovered a major wildlife smuggling attempt involving several exotic and protected species.
During routine surveillance and passenger profiling, Customs officers detected suspicious movement and subsequently examined the passenger’s trolley bag, leading to the recovery of multiple live animals concealed inside.
The seized species include Corn Snake, Hognose Snake, Yellow Anaconda, Yellow-Footed Tortoise, Red-Footed Tortoise, Albino Snapping Turtle, Armadillo Lizard, Iguana spp., Water Monitor Lizard, Bearded Dragon, Raccoon
The passenger, who had arrived from Bangkok, was unable to produce valid import or wildlife clearance documents. The concealment of these animals in personal baggage indicates a clear attempt to evade customs and wildlife protection regulations.
Following the seizure, the passenger was arrested under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).
The rescued animals have been handed over to the concerned wildlife authorities for medical examination and rehabilitation.
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