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In a recent operation, the Mumbai zonal unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the apex anti-smuggling agency in India, intercepted a man arriving from Bangkok at Mumbai airport based on specific intelligence. During the examination of his check-in luggage, officials discovered nine ball pythons (Python regius) and two corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) cleverly concealed inside biscuit and cake packets.
The smuggled wildlife, identified as exotic pets, was seized under the Customs Act. Further investigations revealed that ball pythons and corn snakes are non-indigenous species, violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and import policy.
DRI Seizes Ball Pythons and Corn Snakes at Mumbai Airport. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in Navi Mumbai took charge of the case, identifying the reptile species. To ensure their better survival, the regional deputy director of WCCB issued a detention-cum-deportation order, directing the return of the snakes to Bangkok. Simultaneously, the individual responsible for transporting the snakes has been arrested.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife smuggling and enforce regulations to protect endangered species.
