Pune Customs officials arrested two passengers at Pune International Airport on Monday for attempting to smuggle 20 exotic animals from Bangkok.

Acting on precise intelligence, authorities intercepted Zaheerabbas Aynal Mandal and Bhavesh Rameshbhai Solanki as they arrived on an Air India Express flight. A search of their luggage uncovered 14 green tree pythons (13 alive, one dead), four double-eyed fig parrots, and two Sumatran striped rabbits.

A senior customs official stated that the animals, protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, were brought into India without proper documentation or clearances. The two individuals are now in custody, and further investigation is underway to uncover details of the smuggling attempt.

This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking at India’s borders.

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