Customs Officials Seize 60 Exotic Animals from Passenger at Delhi Airport, 3 Arrested

New Delhi: A major wildlife smuggling attempt has been busted at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. Customs officials seized rare and exotic wildlife species from the luggage of three Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok. The accused were immediately taken into custody, and an investigation has been launched.

The incident took place around 1:35 AM on February 23, when three passengers arrived in Delhi on Air India Flight AI 303 from Bangkok. During routine luggage scanning, officials noticed suspicious items inside their bags. Upon further inspection, they found rare species of snakes, lizards, and other creatures hidden inside.

The Customs Department swiftly seized all the smuggled wildlife and detained the three passengers. They were handed over to the concerned agencies for further investigation.

What Was Seized?

The recovered exotic wildlife included snakes, lizards, and insects:

Snakes:

• Corn Snakes – 5

• Milk Snakes – 8

• Ball Pythons – 9

Lizards:

• Bearded Dragons – 4

• Crested Geckos – 7

• Cameroon Dwarf Geckos – 11

• Gecko – 1

Other Creatures:

• Millipedes – 14

• Spider – 1

Strict Legal Action Likely

Wildlife smuggling is a serious crime under India’s Wildlife Protection Act and international laws. Officials have stated that strict action will be taken against the accused. Authorities are now investigating the purpose of smuggling

In another story, few days ago, A man was arrested at the Delhi airport for smuggling into the country a diamond-studded gold necklace worth Rs 6 crore, the customs department said on Sunday.

The passenger was intercepted after he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport here from Bangkok on February 12, it said.

The detailed examination of the baggage and personal search of the passenger resulted in the recovery of a gold necklace studded with diamonds, weighing 40 grams, having a total value of Rs 6.08 crore, it said on X.

The necklace has been seized and the passenger arrested.

(With Inputs from PTI)