Gibbon, Melanistic Squirrel, Ball Python Among 29 Live Exotic Animals Smuggled From Bangkok

Customs officials at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok with 29 live exotic animals concealed in his baggage, in what authorities believe is another instance of international wildlife smuggling.

The seizure included a gibbon , melanistic squirrel , ball python , and iguana , among other exotic species. Officials intercepted the passenger during customs checks and immediately alerted wildlife authorities after discovering the animals.

A rescue team comprising experts from the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) , the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and the forest department was deployed to identify the species and assess their condition. The animals were found alive and were provided medical attention and stabilisation measures before being moved to secure facilities.

Officials said the rescued animals would be returned to their country of origin in accordance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines governing the handling and repatriation of trafficked wildlife. Similar protocols have been followed in several recent wildlife trafficking cases detected at Indian airports.

The incident is the latest in a series of seizures involving passengers arriving from Bangkok, a route that enforcement agencies say has emerged as a major channel for the illegal trade in exotic animals. Over the past year, customs authorities at Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru airports have uncovered consignments containing iguanas, tortoises, pythons, monkeys, marmosets and other protected species concealed in luggage. Authorities have repeatedly warned that such trafficking poses serious risks to animal welfare, biodiversity and biosecurity.

Investigators are now examining the passenger's links to potential wildlife trafficking networks and whether the animals were intended for the illegal exotic pet market in India. No further details about the suspect have been officially disclosed.