Smuggled monkeys rescued at Bengaluru airport, sent back to Malaysia

Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) intercepted a shocking case of wildlife smuggling on Sunday night, rescuing six endangered monkeys crammed inside a suitcase.

The haul included four Siamang Gibbons and two North Pigtailed Macaques, found hidden among chocolates and clothing in a checked-in trolley bag. The passenger, a Tamil Nadu native, had smuggled them aboard Malaysian Airlines flight MH 192 from Kuala Lumpur, which landed at 11:30 PM.

Authorities, acting on intelligence, identified and detained the suspect. “We have noticed a growing trend in exotic wildlife trafficking into Bengaluru,” an official stated. The rescued primates were flown back to Malaysia the next day.

Wildlife experts note that Siamang Gibbons, native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, are highly sought after as exotic pets. Pigtailed Macaques, found across Southeast Asia, are often used in biomedical research due to their physiological similarities to humans.

The incident underscores increasing illegal wildlife trade, raising concerns about the exploitation of endangered species. Officials remain vigilant to curb such smuggling attempts.

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