Bengaluru: Customs officers at Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 intercepted a consignment from Bangkok on Jan 17 and seized 35 wild animals — many of them exotic and protected species — illegally brought into India without valid permits, in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) and the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972.The seizure followed the interception of three passengers — Aryan Gite, 21, Alsana Shaikh, 26 and Zareen Shaikh, 46 — all residents of Thane district, Maharashtra. The animals were found concealed in their baggage during inspection.Officials said the consignment included squirrel monkeys, green/yellow and albino iguanas, blue iguanas, Abert’s squirrels, Patagonian hares and albino sugar gliders. Several of the animals were already dead at the time of seizure, pointing to poor transport conditions and possible cruelty.Customs authorities noted that squirrel monkeys and iguanas are listed in Cites Appendix II, which requires permits for export and import, while blue iguanas have the highest level of international protection. Some species are also covered under Schedule IV of WPA, making their unauthorised import a punishable offence.The three accused were detained and booked under relevant provisions of the Customs Act and WPA. An investigation has been launched to trace the source of the animals and establish whether an organised wildlife trafficking network is involved. The accused were later granted bail.The seized animals were handed over to the relevant wildlife authorities for care, documentation and further action. The investigation is ongoing.
