Latest news with #CustomsAirIntelligenceUnit
Time of India
17-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Silvered leaf monkey, cuscuses seized at Kolkata airport
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: In the third seizure of rare and exotic animals at Kolkata airport since this Feb, a silvery lutung or silvered leaf monkey — an old-world monkey native to Sumatra, Borneo and Java — and a pair of common spotted cuscuses — a nocturnal marsupial found in Australia, New Guinea and nearby islands — were seized by Customs Air Intelligence Unit early on Thursday. Later, teams from the West Bengal forest department and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) reached the spot for identification and handling of the animals. A 35-year-old woman from north Kolkata has been detained in this connection. Sources said the consignment came on an Indigo flight from Bangkok. "The animals were brought in baskets meant for carrying garments for babies. Hence, it was initially getting difficult to have a closer look at the animals for identification," said an official. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata On June 27, two cuscuses — that look like slow loris — were seized at Kolkata airport. This Feb, two critically endangered red-shanked doucs, found only in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos were seized by Customs officials at Kolkata airport. Silvery lutung, said sources, is an old-world monkey. It is arboreal, living in coastal, mangrove, and riverine forests in Sumatra, Borneo, Java, as well as in parts of the southwestern Malay Peninsula, the Natuna Islands, and other nearby islands. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo The silvery lutung is classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is heavily threatened throughout its range by logging and the development of oil palm plantations. It is also threatened by hunting for meat and by capture for the pet trade. Cuscuses are slow-moving animals often found foraging on leaves, plants, and sometimes even catching birds and lizards. They are known for their long fur and large eyes. During the seizure in June, it couldn't be identified if it was a Waigeou cuscus or a common spotted cuscus. The officials of animal husbandry and dairying, animal quarantine and certification services, had issued orders in June as well as in Feb so that the seized animals could be deported to their country of origin. An official from the dept on Thursday said a process was on to identify the species. "A decision on their deportation will follow accordingly," he said.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- The Hindu
11.8 kg hydroponic ganja seized from air passenger
Officials of the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) seized 11.8 kg of hydroponic ganja from an air passenger at the Tiruchi international airport on Monday. Acting on inputs from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the AIU officials intercepted a passenger who arrived here from Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur. His baggage contained 28 vaccum-sealed pouches of hydroponic ganja weighing 11.8 kg. The contraband was seized and the passenger was arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation is on, the Tiruchi Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate said in a post on X.
New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Six exotic animals were trafficked from Bangkok seized at Kochi airport
KOCHI: In a major wildlife trafficking bust, the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Kochi airport on Monday intercepted two passengers who were found smuggling six exotic animals from Bangkok. The animals were concealed in their checked-in baggage. The rescued animals include three common marmosets, two white-lipped tamarins — both native to the Amazon rainforest — and a hyacinth macaw, a rare parrot species found in South America. Acting on a tip-off, the customs officers intercepted the duo at the airport's exit gate and carried out a detailed inspection of their luggage, which led to the discovery and seizure of the animals. Officials estimate the market value of the seized animals to be over `5 lakh. 'These animals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, and their possession is strictly prohibited in India,' said a customs official. The passengers, along with the seized animals, were handed over to the forest department for further action. An official communication was also sent to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) regarding the incident. The forest department will register a case, after which the animals will be repatriated to Bangkok.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- The Hindu
Six animals seized from air passengers
Six live animals were seized from two passengers by the Customs Air Intelligence Unit at the Kochi airport. The passengers who arrived by a Thai Air flight were intercepted by Customs officials based on profiling at the exit gate. A detailed examination of their checked-in baggage led to the recovery of a Hyacinth Macaw, three Common Marmoset, and two White-lipped Tamarin. The passengers were handed over to the forest officials for further investigation. As per the provisions of the EXIM policy, import of live animals listed under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is strictly regulated. Commercial trade of species listed under CITES and Appendix 1 and Schedule IV of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 also remains prohibited.
