DRI sleuths rescue 6 exotic eastern blue tongued lizards at Vizag airport

Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths had on last Sunday rescued six exotic lizards at Vizag airport from passengers travelling froBangko in Thailand. The rescued exotic reptiles have been identified as eastern blue tongued lizards. Acting on specific intelligence, officers of DRI on the night intercepted two passengers travelling from Bangkok, Thailand at Visakhapatnam International Airport.

On questioning and examination of the two bags carried by the two passengers, six live exotic animals were found concealed in cake packets. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) had confirmed to DRI that the seized wildlife species appeared to be six alive Eastern Blue Tongued Lizards that go with the scientific name Tiliqua scincoides scincoides. They are listed in Appendix- III of CITES and Schedule-IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

As per the EXIM Policy, import of live animals listed in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and CITES without a valid DGFT license, NOCs from Chief Wildlife warden and MoEF&CC, CITES Export Permit and Animal Quarantine Certificate are prohibited.

Also, the exotic wild animals Eastern Blue-Tongued Lizards are prohibited goods under Section 2(33), customs Act, 1962. Therefore, all the six live Eastern Blue Tongued Lizards were seized and deported to Thailand. The two passengers were arrested under The Customs Act, 1962, read with Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. Further investigation is in progress, said DRI's senior official. It is learnt these blue tongued lizards are non venomous. However their bite can cause pain and minor injuries.