Mumbai – Authorities at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport arrested a passenger on Friday for allegedly smuggling 54 exotic animals from Bangkok, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The accused had arrived on an IndiGo Airlines flight from Thailand when customs and wildlife officials intercepted his luggage during checks.
Inside, authorities discovered Albino Red-Eared Slider Turtles, Marmosets, and Cuscus – a nocturnal marsupial species – all packed for illegal transport.
Following the discovery, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau ordered the immediate repatriation of the animals to Bangkok under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
The rescue operation was carried out with the assistance of experts from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), who ensured the animals received immediate care before their return.
Officials noted that smuggling such species poses serious risks to biodiversity, animal welfare, and public health, and vowed strict action against offenders involved in the illegal wildlife trade.