Customs Officers Arrest A Man At Mumbai Airport For Smuggling Exotic Reptiles
Customs officers, under vide Panchanama dated June 1, 2025, recovered the above-mentioned contraband.
The Customs officers arrested a man at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for attempting to smuggle rare reptiles, including 3 Spider-Tailed Horned Vipers, 5 Asian Leaf Turtles, and 44 Indonesian Pit Vipers, a press release said on Sunday.
Spider-tailed horned Viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) is listed under Appendix II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Asian Leaf Turtle (Cyclemys dentata) is listed under Appendix II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Indonesian Pit Viper (Trimeresurus insularis) -44 is not listed under CITES.
Based on specific information, one Indian national who arrived in Mumbai by Flight No. TG317 on May 31 2025, was intercepted by the Customs Officers at the airport. Upon questioning, the passenger exhibited signs of nervousness. Further examination of the baggage revealed that the passenger was carrying these rare reptiles.
Customs officers, under vide Panchanama dated June 1, 2025, recovered the above-mentioned contraband. The said passenger was placed under arrest under the provisions of the Customs Act 1962. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
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