Smuggling Operation Busted at Mumbai Airport: DRI Arrests Culprit with Python and Snakes
Mumbai, 22nd December 2023: In a significant operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended an individual involved in the smuggling of pythons and snakes at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport in Mumbai. The accused, found in possession of nine pythons (Python regius) and two snakes (Pantherophis guttatus), now faces charges under the Customs and Wildlife Protection Act.
The DRI received intelligence pointing to the potential wildlife smuggling activities of the accused. Acting on this information, authorities conducted a search, discovering the concealed reptiles in the suspect’s possession. The seized animals, identified as foreign species by officials from the Wildlife Crime Control Department in Navi Mumbai, indicated a violation of import policies.
Under the Customs Act of 1962, the pythons and snakes were confiscated, and further investigation revealed their origin as foreign nationals. As a result, it was determined that the accused had breached import regulations. The reptiles, consisting of nine pythons and two snakes, are slated to be repatriated to Bangkok. The creatures are currently in the custody of the airline, facilitating their return to their place of origin.
The individual responsible for bringing the smuggled animals has been arrested in connection with the case, marking a significant step in curbing illegal wildlife trafficking at the airport.
