Mumbai Customs Seizes Exotic Reptiles in Major Smuggling Crackdown

Mumbai Customs authorities intercepted a wildlife smuggling operation on May 31, seizing 52 exotic reptiles from an Indian passenger arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The individual, who flew in from Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG317, was caught during routine customs checks after officers noticed suspicious behaviour.

The shocking haul included three rare Spider-Tailed Horned Vipers, five Asian Leaf Turtles, and 44 Indonesian Pit Vipers — all tightly concealed in the passenger’s baggage. One of the pit vipers had died during transit. Most of the reptiles were in poor condition and are now under veterinary care.

The Mumbai Customs team quickly coordinated with forest and wildlife officials to secure the reptiles. The Spider-Tailed Horned Viper and Asian Leaf Turtle are protected under Appendix II of CITES and Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Though the Indonesian Pit Viper isn’t listed under CITES, its undocumented entry violates Indian law.

The accused has been arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and investigations are ongoing, pointing to a broader trafficking network operating via Southeast Asia. The bust highlights the urgent need to combat illegal wildlife trade, which threatens biodiversity and ecological balance.