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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Trafficked Meerkats, Lizards, and More Sent Back to Bangkok After Mumbai Airport Seizure
Mumbai: Two consignments of trafficked wildlife intercepted at Mumbai airport on separate occasions on Aug 8 and 11 were deported back to their place of origin and natural habitat, Bangkok, on Wednesday, whilst following the international standard and ethics protocol. The consignments comprised three meerkats, three lizards, two iguanas, one skink, one four-eyed turtle, over a hundred spiders, two marmosets, and 50 albino red-eared sliders. According to Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane, "As per the Wildlife Protection Act, the seized animals were temporarily kept under the care of recognised facilities for medical intervention after their interception, which were later handed over to the concerned authorities on Tuesday night for deportation to the country of origin. The animals were first stabilised and given necessary treatment. " Yogesh Warkad, Deputy Director of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, told TOI, "Our job was limited to certain aspects. We completed the identification process and legal position of the wildlife besides animal quarantine and coordinating with the concerned authorities." He further confirmed the deportation. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai The deportation process followed the new guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on July 23, which reiterated regulations laid down by Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) and the customs department regarding the immediate deportation of trafficked animals to their country of origin. Airlines through which animals are brought into the country illegally are responsible for their deportation, as per the regulations. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Flier from Bangkok caught with smuggled wildlife
MUMBAI: Despite various complaints by the Indian wildlife authorities, wildlife smuggling from Bangkok continues, as the Air Intelligence Unit of Mumbai Customs on Friday intercepted a passenger carrying live animals in their baggage. 50 Albino red-eared sliders (left) were carried in boxes littered with faecal material. The animals seized from the passenger include two Kinkajous (trade banned under CITES and Schedule IV of the amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972), two Pygmy Marmoset (trade banned under CITES and Schedule IV of the amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972), and 50 Albino read-eared sliders (listed in CITES and Wildlife Protection Act, but trade was violation in CITES and policy), said a press note issued by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. 'Since all the species are not indigenous in nature, the live specimens should be deported back to the origin country, i.e. Thailand, for better survival on issuance of a Deportation Certificate from the Animal Quarantine Department,'' said Yogesh Warkad, deputy director of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Pawan Sharma, from the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare, said one Kinkajou died on Saturday evening as the passenger carried the animals in a small box. 'We are stabilising these animals in our centre. The albino red-eared sliders were brought in two small boxes. They have a primary infection and faecal material strewn in the box they were carried in.''
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
36 endangered reptiles seized at Mumbai airport
MUMBAI: Thirty-six endangered reptiles, including six iguanas and 30 orange-bearded dragons, were seized by Mumbai customs after they arrived on a flight from Bangkok on Sunday night. One individual, Momin Shaikh, who arrived with the reptiles, has been arrested for wildlife trafficking. Yogesh Warkad, deputy director, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, said, 'A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act. This is also a violation of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. We have informed the chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and other authorities.'' He added that the seizure was effected by the air intelligence unit of the Mumbai customs. The reptiles have been entrusted to Pawan Sharma of the Resqink Association of Wildlife Welfare, a volunteer rescue service. 'Some of the reptiles are not doing well but we are treating them,'' said Sharma. Warkad said the reptiles will eventually be sent back to the country of their origin.
