Wild Encounter: Customs Foil Exotic Animal Smuggling
Customs authorities at the Chennai airport intercepted a man attempting to smuggle monkeys and tortoises from Bangkok. The species were hidden under layers of confectionery in his baggage. The incident violates the Wildlife Protection Act and relevant Customs and international trade laws.
- Country:
- India
In a startling incident, an air passenger was nabbed by customs officials at Chennai airport for attempting to smuggle live monkeys and tortoises into the country. The customs department reported the arrest, stating that the interception occurred on a late night flight from Bangkok on June 18.
The Air Intelligence Unit of Chennai Customs flagged an Indian male passenger on suspicion of wildlife smuggling. His checked-in baggage, upon examination, revealed two ventilated carry bags and a cloth bag concealed beneath layers of confectionery. Officers were surprised to find live animals inside.
Hidden in the bags were two monkeys of different species and seven tortoises. Smuggling such wildlife without authorization contravenes the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Customs Act, 1962, alongside CITES regulations. The animals were returned to Thailand, and the passenger remanded to judicial custody.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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