26-06-2025
120 exotic animals trafficked from Bangkok rescued, 2 held at Mumbai airport
Two Mumbai residents were arrested by Customs personnel at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport for allegedly trafficking 120 live exotic animals from Bangkok on Wednesday.
Among the animals rescued are iguanas, Sumatran striped rabbits, Basilisk lizards and cuscus, an official said.
Acting on specific information, Customs officials intercepted the two passengers and examined their bags and found the animals stuffed inside plastic and jute boxes. The animals were safely rescued, said a source.
Customs officials, after following due procedure under the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act and the Customs and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau norms, are sending the animals back to the country they were trafficked from.
The two passengers have been booked under relevant provisions, said another source.
