350 exotic animals brought from Bangkok seized in Pune, Mumbai

Experts caution that seizures alone will not dismantle the smuggling networks

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

Over the past two months, customs officials at Pune and Mumbai airports have seized over 350 exotic animals, highlighting a rapidly flourishing wildlife trafficking route originating from Bangkok and utilising Maharashtra as a central hub.

In June and July alone, customs officials at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Pune Airport intercepted six consignments of wild animals—including snakes, parrots, tortoises, rabbits, macaws, and rare reptiles—many of which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

"Maharashtra's connectivity and infrastructure make it attractive for traffickers. The animals are usually flown in via Bangkok and routed to cities like Mumbai or Pune, where they are picked up by local handlers," said an official from the customs department.

"In most cases, the carriers appear unaware of the final destination or purpose. They're just paid to bring the consignment in," he said.

In Pune, the latest seizure on July 15 involved over 20 rare species—including Green Tree Pythons, Double-eyed Fig Parrots, and Sumatran Striped Rabbits—recovered from the baggage of a passenger flying in from Bangkok.