Mumbai Customs Nab Man Smuggling 67 Exotic Animals from Bangkok
Smuggler arriving from Bangkok, Thailand with rare wildlife was detained at Mumbai airport in the early hours of Sunday
In a jaw-dropping incident at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Customs officials arrested a man attempting to smuggle 67 exotic animals into India. The passenger, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, was detained in the early hours of Sunday after authorities discovered the illicit cargo concealed in his luggage.
The haul included an astonishing variety of rare and endangered species, such as leopard tortoises, turtles, meerkats, hyraxes, sugar gliders, and monitor lizards. Acting swiftly, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau issued a deportation order for the animals under the Wildlife Protection Act, ensuring their safe return to Bangkok.
Experts from the NGO Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare played a crucial role in the operation, providing immediate rescue, identification, treatment, and stabilization of the animals. "The condition of some animals was concerning, but our team worked tirelessly to ensure their well-being before deportation," said a Resqink spokesperson.
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This incident highlights the growing issue of wildlife trafficking through international airports. Authorities suspect the animals were intended for illegal trade in India’s black market, where exotic species fetch high prices. The Customs Department has intensified checks on international passengers to curb such smuggling attempts.
The accused faces charges under wildlife protection laws, with investigations ongoing to uncover potential links to larger trafficking networks. This bust serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant enforcement to protect vulnerable species from exploitation.
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