In a major enforcement action against wildlife trafficking, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Bengaluru Customs intercepted a 27-year-old passenger arriving from Bangkok on October 23, 2025, and recovered endangered primate species concealed in his luggage.

The seized animals include one Silvery Gibbon and two Black-Shanked Doucs, both of which are listed under Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)and Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Given the gravity of the offence, the passenger was placed under arrest in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The seized species are highly protected and native to parts of Southeast Asia, facing threats due to illegal pet trade and habitat loss.

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