Latest news with #IndonesianPitVipers
News18
4 days ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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.
