The Bengaluru Customs officials seized 78 snakes including 55 ball pythons and 17 king cobras protected under the Wildlife Protection Act at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Thursday. The Customs also seized six deceased monkeys from baggage that arrived on Air Asia flight from Bangkok. The Customs deported the snakes while they disposed of the deceased animals with proper sanitary measures.
In a press release, Bengaluru Customs said, “A baggage which arrived by Flight No. FD 137 Air Asia from Bangkok at 10:30 pm was found to contain a total of 78 animals comprising 55 Ball Pythons (in different colour morphs) & 17 King Cobras. These were found alive and in active condition.”
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The customs also found six monkeys that were deceased. The customs said, “However, six (06) Capuchin Monkeys were found to be dead. All the said 78 animals are Schedule animals under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and listed under Appendices of CITES.”
The animals were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962. Customs officers of Bengaluru Airport booked a case of wildlife smuggling at Terminal- 1, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, it said.
Further, customs said, “The live animals have been deported to the country of origin and the dead animals have been disposed with proper sanitary measures. Further investigation is under progress.”
The officials suspect that the animals were smuggled as part of an international pet trade network, reported Deccan Herald.
They are also trying to zero down on the baggage owner.
This is the second time that protected wildlife in such large numbers was seized at Bengaluru airport in three weeks.