An official statement said that the officials from Mumbai Customs Zone-III intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport in Mumbai on June 9, 2025. Pics/Mumbai Customs
The passenger, who had travelled on flight AI338, was found carrying a number of live and dead exotic animals in his luggage
The customs officials were suspicious after the passenger appeared to be nervous during his questioning and a detailed baggage check led to the shocking discovery of multiple protected and non-native species
Some of the species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the statement said
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an international agreement that regulates international trade in endangered species of wild animals and plants
The passenger was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962," officials said, adding that a detailed investigation is underway to determine the source, motive, and possible links to wildlife smuggling networks
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