In a major wildlife smuggling bust, Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport seized a number of rare animals and reptiles being illegally brought into the country. One Indian passenger was arrested in connection with the case. Acting on a tip-off, officials stopped a passenger who had arrived on Thai Airways Flight TG317 from Bangkok on May 31. The passenger appeared nervous during questioning, leading officers to thoroughly check his luggage.

Inside, they discovered 3 live Spider-Tailed Horned Vipers, 5 live Asian Leaf Turtles, and 44 Indonesian Pit Vipers – all protected species under wildlife protection laws.  The man was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigations are ongoing.