Wildlife Smuggling Foiled At Mumbai Airport; Rare Snakes and Turtles Seized, One Indian National Arrested
Wildlife Smuggling Foiled At Mumbai Airport; Rare Snakes and Turtles Seized, One Indian National Arrested
In a significant operation, Customs officers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, on 01st June 2025, booked a case involving the seizure of live and deceased wildlife species listed under various wildlife protection laws.Â
One Indian national has been arrested in connection with the case.
Acting on specific intelligence, Customs officers intercepted a passenger who arrived in Mumbai by Flight No. TG317 on 31st May 2025. During the examination, the passenger displayed signs of nervousness, prompting a detailed inspection of the baggage. The inspection led to the recovery of the following:
1. Spider Tailed Horned Viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides): 03 live specimens, listed under Appendix-II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. Asian Leaf Turtle (Cyclemys dentata): 05 live specimens, listed under Appendix-II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
3. Indonesian Pit Viper (Trimeresurus insularis): 44 specimens (43 live and 1 dead), currently not listed under CITES.
The passenger was subsequently placed under arrest in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
