In a shocking incident at Mumbai International Airport, Indian Customs officials have seized 16 live snakes from the luggage of a passenger arriving from Thailand. According to international media reports, this marks the third case of wildlife smuggling by air reported in India this month—raising serious concerns over airport security measures.
Officials stated that most of the recovered snakes were non-venomous and typically sold in illegal exotic pet markets. The confiscated species included garter snakes, rhino rat snakes, and the highly sought-after Kenyan sand boa—all of which are considered rare and expensive exotic pets.
Customs officers immediately confiscated the snakes and handed them over to the Wildlife Authority, while the passenger was arrested on the spot. Authorities have indicated that surveillance and enforcement at airports will now be further tightened in light of the increasing number of such incidents.
It is worth noting that under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, the smuggling of wild animals is a serious offense, punishable by imprisonment and heavy fines. In recent weeks, multiple cases of illegal animal trafficking have surfaced at Mumbai airport, involving exotic birds, monkeys, and now snakes, highlighting a growing trend in wildlife crime.
