By Mewati Sitaram l Mumbai
A Bangkok flight passenger’s plan to sneak rare and exotic animals into India was foiled at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport when alert Customs officers uncovered a secret stash of live creatures hidden in his trolley bag.
Acting on specific intelligence, Mumbai Customs Zone III officers intercepted Sharukkhan Mohammed Hassian, holder of passport number R6275443, who had arrived from Bangkok on flight 6E1052 on August 8, 2025. A thorough inspection of his dark grey-coloured bag revealed an unusual and illegal cargo.
The recovered wildlife included two kinkajous (Potos flavus) listed in Appendix III of CITES (for Honduras) and Schedule IV of the amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; two pygmy marmosets (Cebuella sp.) listed in Appendix II of CITES and Schedule IV of the Act; and 50 albino red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta), which are not covered under CITES or the Wildlife Protection Act.
The passenger was arrested under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, read with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Officials said the case underscores the growing threat of illegal wildlife trafficking and the critical role of airport vigilance in stopping it.
It is worth mentioning that exotic wildlife is smuggled into India mainly to feed a lucrative black market for rare pets, with species like kinkajous, marmosets, macaws, and rare turtles fetching high prices among wealthy buyers. Smugglers also supply illegal breeders, private collectors, and unlicensed zoos, while some animals are trafficked for cultural or religious beliefs. Organised crime networks exploit the trade because live animals are harder to detect than drugs or gold, and penalties under wildlife laws are often lighter, making it a profitable but destructive illegal business.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
