Bhubaneswar: In a significant crackdown on wildlife smuggling, customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar intercepted a consignment of exotic animals on Saturday. The seizure included rare species such as king snakes, monitor lizards, chameleons, and tortoises. A man suspected to be part of an international smuggling network was detained for questioning.
According to sources, the smuggled wildlife was allegedly being transported from Bangkok, Thailand, to Chennai, India, with Bhubaneswar serving as a transit point. Acting on a tip-off, customs officials conducted a thorough search of a passenger’s luggage upon his arrival at BPIA, leading to the discovery of the live animals hidden inside.
During the operation, officials rescued nine king snakes, ten chameleons, twelve tortoises, and an unspecified number of monitor lizards from the suspect’s possession. The accused, a youth from Chennai, was reportedly carrying the consignment for illegal trade. Authorities suspect the animals were intended for sale in India’s underground market, where exotic species are in high demand among collectors and private buyers.
The seized wildlife has been handed over to the Forest Department for necessary care and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, customs officials, in coordination with wildlife enforcement agencies, are investigating the broader smuggling network and possible links to organized wildlife trafficking rings.
Smuggling of exotic species is a serious offense under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and international regulations such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in such illegal trade.
Further investigations are underway to trace the origin of the consignment and identify other individuals connected to this smuggling operation.
