On Thursday, Customs officials at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport arrested two individuals, Mohammad Ansar and Syed Pasha, for attempting to smuggle four agile Gibbons stuffed into trolley bags. The duo, residents of Bengaluru, had traveled from Kuala Lumpur and are currently under investigation.
According to the Customs Department, agile Gibbons are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Smuggling such species carries severe legal consequences. The department’s statement read: “SIIB, AP&ACC arrested 2 pax attempting to smuggle 4 agile Gibbons on 17.12.24 at KIA.”
The incident highlights a growing trend of wildlife smuggling, driven by the increasing demand for rare species as exotic pets. Smugglers exploit this demand, importing animals from foreign countries and selling them at exorbitant prices to urban households.
This is not an isolated event. In November, customs officials intercepted another smuggling attempt involving 40 rare and endangered animals, including Aldabra giant tortoises, beaded lizards, and juvenile rhinoceros iguanas. The animals were found in shocking conditions, stuffed into trolley bags.
The Customs Department continues to crack down on such activities, reinforcing the importance of protecting endangered wildlife and enforcing strict legal measures against offenders.