Latest news with #AsianLeafTurtles
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
Man Held At Mumbai Airport For Smuggling 16 Exotic Snakes Hidden in Chocolate Boxes
Last Updated: Customs at Mumbai airport caught a man smuggling 16 exotic snakes from Thailand. The snakes were hidden in pouches among chocolates. Customs officials at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have apprehended a man trying to smuggle 16 exotic snakes from Thailand. The accused, identified as Goodman Linford Leo, a Tamil Nadu resident, was caught red-handed by Mumbai Airport Customs on June 27. Officials got suspicious due to Leo's uncanny movement, and his check-in baggage was scanned. Upon scanning, the airport officials found five Albino Honduran milk snakes, two garter snakes, two Kenyan sand boas, a coastal banded California king snake, five rhinoceros rat snakes and an albino rat snake. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau identified the snakes that were concealed in 15 white pouches and camouflaged among chocolates. Notably, this is the third such seizure this month. Earlier this month, Mumbai Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) held a passenger attempting to smuggle 52 live reptiles. This passenger arrived from Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG317. He was flagged by the officials due to unusual behaviour and intelligence. Upon scanning his baggage, the officials were shocked to find 52 live reptiles. Among them were three Spider-Tailed Horned Vipers, a rare desert snake species. The officers also found five Asian Leaf Turtles, a species native to Southeast Asia and frequently targeted in the exotic pet trade. Additionally, 44 Indonesian Pit Vipers were also found. Customs officers informed the concerned authorities. The Spider-Tailed Horned Viper and Asian Leaf Turtle are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The passenger was arrested under relevant sections of the Customs Act, 1962. Another reptile smuggling racket was busted at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. Customs officials seized a variety of exotic species, including Californian king snakes, monitor lizards, chameleons and tortoises from a man who was on his way to Chennai from Hong Kong. First Published: June 30, 2025, 13:10 IST
News18
01-06-2025
- News18
Mumbai Customs Seizes 52 Exotic Reptiles In Major Wildlife Smuggling Bust
In a major breakthrough against wildlife trafficking, Mumbai Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI) intercepted an Indian passenger who was attempting to smuggle a large number of exotic reptiles into the country. On May 23, 2025, she was sentenced to life, with a minimum of 15 years to be served. (Representative image) The incident took place on May 31 when a passenger arriving from Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG317 was flagged during routine checks. Customs officers, acting on specific intelligence and observing unusual behaviour, decided to inspect his baggage more closely. Inside the luggage, they discovered a shocking cache — 52 live reptiles, carefully packed and hidden. Among them were three Spider-Tailed Horned Vipers, a rare desert snake species known for its unique tail that mimics a spider to attract prey. The officers also found five Asian Leaf Turtles, a species native to Southeast Asia and frequently targeted in the exotic pet trade. Additionally, 44 Indonesian Pit Vipers were found, one of which had died during transport. The animals were in a delicate condition. Customs authorities quickly informed wildlife and forest officials to ensure the reptiles were given immediate care. Most of the animals are now under observation and being treated by experts. advetisement
News18
01-06-2025
- News18
Customs Officers Arrest A Man At Mumbai Airport For Smuggling Exotic Reptiles
Last Updated: 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.
