States » SouthPosted at: Jun 19 2025 10:35PM


Chennai Air Customs foils Wildlife smuggling bid, one Pax held

Chennai, June 19 (UNI) The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Chennai Customs
has foiled an attempt to smuggle wildlife species--two live monkeys and
seven tortoises--at the Anna International airport here today, which were later
deported back to Bangkok in Thailand after arresting a passenger.
A PIB release said the AIU officials intercepted an Indian male passenger who
had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand by a Thai Airways Flight at around 2355 hrs
on Wednesday night, on suspicion of smuggling wildlife.
Upon intercepting him, his checked-in baggage was retrieved for examination
in which the officers found two ventilated carry bags and a small cloth bag
concealed under layers of confectionery items.
On closer inspection, movements were noticed inside the ventilated bags.
Further scrutiny revealed two live monkeys of different species each hidden
in a separate carry bag and seven tortoises wrapped inside the taped cloth
bag.
Import of such wildlife without valid authorisation is prohibited under the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, the Customs Act, 1962, and the CITES regulations
governing international trade in endangered species.
The animals were deported back to Thailand today.
The passenger was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962 read with Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972 by Customs and remanded to Judicial Custody by the
Judicial Magistrate, Special Court of Customs, Alandur.
This seizure highlights the unwavering commitment of Chennai Customs in
combating the illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species in
accordance with national and international laws.
UNI GV 2230
Tags: #Chennai Air Customs foils Wildlife smuggling bid# one Pax held
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