In yet another alarming instance of wildlife smuggling, Customs officials at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport arrested a 34-year-old man from Chennai, Goodman Linford Leo, for attempting to smuggle 16 live exotic snakes from Thailand. The bust marks the third major wildlife trafficking incident at the airport this June.

Leo arrived from Bangkok on Friday night. During baggage screening, officials discovered multiple cotton bags containing a variety of rare and exotic snakes, including:

  • 2 Kenyan Sand Boas

  • 5 Rhinoceros Rat Snakes

  • 3 Albino Snakes

  • 2 Honduran Milk Snakes

  • 1 California Kingsnake

  • 2 Garter Snakes

  • 1 Albino Rat Snake

    • Most of the reptiles are non-venomous or carry venom too mild to harm humans, officials confirmed.

    The Customs Department stated on social media: “Officers at Mumbai Customs Zone-III foiled yet another wildlife smuggling attempt. Passenger arrested. Investigation underway.”

    Preliminary findings indicate that Leo could be linked to a broader international wildlife trafficking network. He has been booked under the Customs Act, and authorities are now working with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to repatriate the animals under the Wildlife Protection Act.

    Wildlife specialists from the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare aided in identifying and ensuring the safe handling of the reptiles.

    Earlier this month, Mumbai airport officials intercepted two other major smuggling attempts involving venomous vipers and 100 exotic creatures including sunbirds and possums—raising red flags over the rising trend of wildlife crime via air travel.