Wildlife smuggling racket busted at Bhubaneswar airport; snakes, turtles, monitor lizards seized from Bangkok flyer | Bhubaneswar News
BHUBANESWAR: Customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport busted an international wildlife smuggling racket, seizing nine snakes, ten turtles, and 12 monitor lizards from a passenger arriving from Thailand.
The individual landed in Bhubaneswar from Bangkok and was scheduled to board a domestic flight within India.
Ranjit Mohanty, in charge of customs at the airport, said the passenger is currently being questioned to determine the source and intended destination of the suspected smuggled wildlife. “More details about the indigenous species seized are being verified,” he added.
The reptiles seized from the passenger included California King Snakes, Nile Monitor Lizard babies, and River Fly Turtles. Three lizards were found to be dead, sources said.
Authorities suspect the incident is linked to a larger wildlife trafficking network. Further investigations are underway.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport seized nine snakes, ten turtles, and twelve monitor lizards from a passenger arriving from Thailand.
- The reptiles included California King Snakes, Nile Monitor Lizard babies, and River Fly Turtles, with three lizards found dead.
- Authorities suspect the wildlife smuggling incident is linked to a larger trafficking network, and further investigations are underway.
