A tense situation unfolded on Sunday night, November 24, at Hyderabad Airport when two exotic snakes were found in the possession of a couple of female travelers arriving from Bangkok. The women had concealed the snakes in a basket, which was flagged for inspection by customs officials. Upon checking, the authorities discovered the snakes and swiftly rescued them. The zoo officials were alerted, and an investigation has been launched into the matter.
This incident highlights a troubling trend of wildlife trafficking at Indian airports, where exotic animals are being smuggled into the country. In a similar case in October 2024, customs officials at Anna International Airport in Chennai intercepted 56 exotic animals, including green iguanas and endangered Siamang gibbons, from a woman arriving from Kuala Lumpur. The woman and her accomplice were arrested following the seizure.
Hyderabad Airport has become a focal point in recent years for such smuggling attempts. Authorities are working to enhance their vigilance and enforcement measures to combat the illegal wildlife trade, which poses severe risks to biodiversity.
In another related incident in November, customs officials at Bengaluru Airport seized shipments containing 50 exotic species, including marsupials and reptiles from Thailand and Malaysia. These operations have led to arrests and exposed a pan-Indian network involved in trafficking rare and endangered species.
The recent discovery of the snakes at Hyderabad Airport underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and collaboration between customs, wildlife authorities, and international bodies to address the growing problem of wildlife smuggling.
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