Mumbai Airport Customs Arrest Passenger With 94 Exotic Wildlife Species Smuggled From Bangkok At CSMIA; Probe Underway

On the basis of profiling, one Indian national, who arrived at CSMI Airport from Bangkok by Flight No. AI338 on 09th June, 2025, was intercepted by the officers of Mumbai Customs Zone-III at the CSMI Airport. Upon questioning, the passenger exhibited signs of nervousness. Further, examination of the baggage revealed that the passenger was carrying the following wildlife species:-

1. Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula – (Grammostola pulchripes) – Not listed in CITES. (1 No.)

2. Tarantula (Brachypelma spp.) – Listed in Appendix – II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. – (1 No.)

3. Iguana (Iguana spp.) - Listed in Appendix – II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. (80 Nos. - 50 live and 30 dead)

4. Leucistic Sugar Glider (Petaurus braviceps) – Not listed in CITES. (6 Nos.)

5. Fire‑Tailed sunbird (Aethopyga ignicauda) – Listed in Schedule – I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 but not listed in CITES. (1 Dead)

6. Purple Throated Sunbird (Leptocoma sperata) – Not listed in CITES. (1 Dead)

7. Crested Finchbill (Spizixos canifrons) – Not listed in CITES. (2 Nos.)

8. Honey Bear (Potos flavus) – Listed in Appendix – III of CITES for Honduras. (1 No.)

9. Brazilian Cherry Head Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) – family – Testudinidae – Listed in Appendix – II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. (2 Nos.).

The above said wild life animals were seized vide Panchanama dated 09th June 2025. The said passenger was placed under arrest under the provisions of the Customs Act 1962. Further investigation is going on.