Navi Mumbai: An Indian passenger flying back from Bangkok was intercepted by the Mumbai Customs at the Mumbai International Airport on Sunday with 29 exotic wild animals.A wildlife rescue team from RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare), in coordination with WCCB (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) and the Forest Department, was called to identify the species, safely handle, treat, and stabilize them.“Exotic species such as Gibbon, Malenistic Squirrel, Ball Python, and Iguana were found in the consignment, hidden inside a bag and smuggled into the country,” said Pawan Sharma of RAWW.As per the DGCA Guidelines, the seized species will be sent back to the country from where they are trafficked.“There is a big demand for exotic wild animals as pets in India. Hence, some people illegally smuggle such species from foreign countries. Often, these exotic animals die en route due to shock or suffocation as they are improperly packed inside suitcases,” said Sharma.Last August, over 70 wildlife species were seized at the Mumbai airport while being smuggled. Sections under The Customs Act, 1962, and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, have been applied against the accused Indian trafficker on Sunday.
