Mumbai Customs seizes exotic reptiles smuggled from Bangkok at CSMIA

The white iguanas and (right) orange bearded dragons seized by the authorities

Mumbai Customs seized 28 live orange bearded dragons, two dead ones, and six white iguanas at the Mumbai international airport on Sunday night, exposing yet another instance of wildlife trafficking. According to sources from the forest department, a passenger arriving from Bangkok on an IndiGo flight was found carrying the reptiles hidden inside socks in his luggage. Officials grew suspicious after detecting unusual movement during baggage scanning.

A wildlife rescue team from RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) was called to assist with the identification, safe handling, and temporary care of the animals. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has initiated the process of deporting the live reptiles to the country from which they were trafficked, in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).

RAWW President Pawan Sharma said, "As per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and CITES, such species must either be returned to their native habitat or to the country from which they were brought. In this case, deportation orders have been issued. However, the airline involved does not have DGCA approval to transport live animals, so alternative arrangements are being explored."