Mumbai, Oct. 12 — In a shocking case of wildlife trafficking, the Customs Department at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport arrested an Indian passenger on Saturday after discovering 61 rare and exotic wild animals concealed inside his luggage.
The passenger had arrived from Bangkok, officials confirmed. His suspicious behaviour prompted Customs officers to conduct a detailed inspection, during which they uncovered several live animals packed inside multiple containers.
All 61 animals were immediately rescued and handed over to the Rescue Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAW) for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
According to officials, the seized animals included several endangered species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Among the rescued creatures were black and white tegus, cuscus, central bearded dragons, and Honduran milk snakes. The animals are currently being nursed back to health and will later be repatriated to their countries of origin.
A Customs spokesperson confirmed that the Wildlife Crime Control Cell has been informed and that a full-scale investigation is underway to determine how the animals were procured and their intended destination. The arrested passenger faces charges under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Pawan Sharma, Director of RAW, said that Thailand has emerged as a major hub for wildlife trafficking, largely because it hosts a wide variety of exotic animal species and the trade of certain wildlife is legal there.
“The availability of direct and affordable flights from Bangkok makes it easier for smugglers to attempt bringing such animals into India,” Sharma explained.
Wildlife trafficking remains a serious environmental crime in India. It involves the illegal capture, transport, or sale of wild animals and birds across borders. Experts note that trafficked animals are often confined in cramped and inhumane conditions, leading to immense suffering and, in many cases, death before rescue.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to curb wildlife smuggling through stricter surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and enhanced penalties for offenders.
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