Man arrested at Mumbai airport for carrying venomous snakes from Thailand

Acting on specific intelligence, Customs officers intercepted a passenger who arrived in Mumbai by Flight No. TG317 on May 31 from Thailand.

Mumbai: In a significant operation, Customs officers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, on Sunday, booked a case involving the seizure of live and deceased wildlife species listed under various wildlife protection laws. 

An Indian national has been arrested in connection with the case.

Acting on specific intelligence, Customs officers intercepted a passenger who arrived in Mumbai by Flight No. TG317 on 31 May from Thailand.

During the examination, the passenger displayed signs of nervousness, prompting a detailed inspection of the baggage. 

The inspection led to the recovery of Spider Tailed Horned Viper, Asian Leaf Turtle and Indonesian Pit Viper.

*  Spider Tailed Horned Viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) - 3 live specimens, listed under Appendix-II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

* Asian Leaf Turtle (Cyclemys dentata) - live specimens, listed under Appendix-II of CITES and Schedule IV of the newly amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

* Indonesian Pit Viper (Trimeresurus insularis) - 44 specimens (43 live and 1 dead), currently not listed under CITES.