67 live exotic wildlife belonging to 14 different species seized at Mumbai Airport

Species such as Leopard Tortoises, Turtles, Meerkats, Hyraxes, Sugar Gliders, and several species of rare and endangered Monitor Lizards were identified.

An Indian passenger was intercepted by Mumbai Customs in the early hours of Sunday while attempting to traffic 67 live exotic wildlife specimens in their luggage.

Wildlife rescue experts from RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) assisted in the immediate rescue, identification, treatment, and stabilisation of the animals.

Species such as Leopard Tortoises, Turtles, Meerkats, Hyraxes, Sugar Gliders, and several species of rare and endangered Monitor Lizards were identified.

The WCCB (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) initiated a deportation order for these live species as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. By night, the deportation was carried out, and all surviving animals were sent back to the country from which they had been smuggled, via the same airline used for trafficking.