Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, arrested a passenger for allegedly attempting to smuggle live exotic animals into the country.

Acting on intelligence inputs, officers from Mumbai Customs Zone-III intercepted the passenger, identified as Sharukkhan Mohammed Hassian (passport no. R6275443), who had arrived from Bangkok on IndiGo flight 6E1052. A search of his dark grey trolley bag led to the recovery of two Kinkajous (Potos flavus), listed in Appendix III of CITES (for Honduras) and Schedule IV of the amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; two Pygmy Marmosets (Cebuella sp.), listed in Appendix II of CITES and Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; and fifty Albino Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta), which are not listed under CITES or the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Officials said the animals were found concealed inside the passenger’s luggage. The accused was arrested under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, read with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.