Nine ball pythons, two corn snakes seized as DRI busts massive wildlife smuggling syndicate | Crime News
The carrier of these smuggled reptiles has been arrested
Mumbai: In a significant operation at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok on December 20, 2023. What seemed like biscuit and cake packets in the check-in luggage turned out to be a sophisticated smuggling attempt, as officials discovered nine ball pythons (Python regius) and two corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) concealed within.
Acting promptly, the DRI seized the reptiles under the Customs Act of 1962. Subsequent collaboration with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Western Region, Navi Mumbai, confirmed the identification of the seized animals. These non-indigenous species were found to be in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and import policies.
The Regional Deputy Director of WCCB, Western Region, issued a detention cum deportation order, directing the reptiles to be sent back to Bangkok for their better survival. The responsibility for transporting the exotic species fell on SpiceJet Airlines, to whom the reptiles were handed over. The carrier of these smuggled reptiles has been arrested. The accused is now in custody and further investigations and searches are underway to dismantle the syndicate responsible for this illegal trade.
DRI foils drug trafficking attempt
In another incident, the DRI Mumbai foiled a drug trafficking attempt by arresting a Ugandan woman at Mumbai Airport on December 19. Employing a unique method, she concealed 890 grams of cocaine valued at Rs 8.9 crores approximately within her hair wig and undergarments. The DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit, conducted the operation, seizing the contraband under the NDPS Act 1985. The agency, known for busting various concealment methods, faced an added challenge this time with the drugs hidden in the woman’s undergarments and hair wig. The suspect has been placed in judicial custody, as per the official statement.
