ISLAMABAD: Authorities at Mumbai Airport apprehended an Indian passenger attempting to smuggle dozens of venomous reptiles, including pit vipers and rare turtles, after arriving from Thailand.
The incident highlights a growing trend in exotic wildlife trafficking through international flights into India.
According to a statement by Mumbai Customs released on Sunday, the illegal cargo was found hidden inside the checked-in baggage of the suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed.
The haul consisted of 44 Indonesian pit vipers, three spider-tailed horned vipers, and five Asian leaf turtles — all living animals packed in containers. The passenger was arrested immediately upon discovery.
Rare and Dangerous Reptiles Seized
Photographs shared by Mumbai Customs on social media show the vividly colored vipers, including striking blue and yellow specimens, squirming in a bucket after their recovery.
While smuggling gold and narcotics is more commonly intercepted at Mumbai Airport, this seizure has drawn attention due to the potential danger these venomous snakes pose.
The spider-tailed horned vipers, though not typically dangerous to humans, are highly venomous and normally prey on birds.
The presence of exotic species like these not only poses ecological threats but also violates international wildlife trade laws under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Ongoing Surge in Wildlife Trafficking
This isn’t the first instance of wildlife smuggling at Mumbai Airport. In February, customs officials caught a traveler with five endangered Siamang gibbons ingeniously packed in a trolley bag.
In earlier cases, officers intercepted smugglers with turtles, hornbill birds, and other rare animals — almost all originating from Thailand.
Wildlife protection agencies are concerned about the frequency of such cases and the growing demand for exotic pets or illicit trade in animal parts. Authorities are expected to increase scrutiny on inbound flights from high-risk regions to combat this trend.
