Mumbai: The Mumbai Airport Customs officials on Friday arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly attempting to smuggle exotic wildlife animals. The Customs officers rescued rabbit, parrot and turtle.
According to the Customs sources, on the basis of specific intelligence one passenger Suhail Ahmed, Bengaluru resident was intercepted. On reasonable suspicion that he might be carrying contraband/dutiable goods / wildlife animals or exotic species either in his baggage or on person; his baggage was examined which resulted in recovery of two Sumantran Striped Rabbits, one dead Great Billed Parrot and one Indochinese Box Turtle.
Thereafter, the photograph of the wildlife species were taken and sent to Regional Deputy Director, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Western Region. In his voluntary statement accused Suhail Ahmed admitted knowledge, possession, handling, concealing, smuggling and recovery of the seized animals.
Mumbai Airport Customs arrest Bengaluru man for smuggling rare rabbit, parrot & turtle; wildlife trafficking syndicate suspected | File Photo
"He also admitted that on the instruction of unknown person he was supposed to deliver the said seized goods to some unknown person out side of Mumbai Airport. He also admitted that he attempted this act for monetary benefits. Investigation conducted so far has indicate that larger syndicate may involve in the smuggling of the Wildlife Species. The details accomplices of the accused, are yet to be ascertained. Persistent efforts are on to get the details of these accomplices," said a Customs source.
On the duty of 10/11 July, 2025, the officers at Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, recovered wildlife (live and dead animals) - 1. Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) – 3 Nos. (2 live and 1 dead) 2. Great Billed Parrot / Moluccan Parrot (Tanygnathus megalorynchos) – 2 Nos. 3. Sumantran Striped Rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri) – 2 Nos. 4. Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) – 1 No in 02 case as per the provisions of Customs Act, 1962 read with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 02 persons were Arrested.
Highlights of the case:
(10/11.07.2025)
Case 1: On the basis of Specific Intel, Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone - III intercepted 01 passengers arriving from Bangkok to Mumbai and recovered wildlife (live and dead animals) - 1. Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) – 3 Nos. (2 live and 1 dead) 2. Great Billed Parrot / Moluccan Parrot (Tanygnathus megalorynchos) – 1 No.
The said wildlife was found concealed in the cream-coloured trolley bag. 01 passenger was arrested under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962 read with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Case 2: On the basis of Specific Intel, Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone -III intercepted 01 passenger arriving from Bangkok to Mumbai and Recovered wildlife (live and dead animals) - 1. Sumantran Striped Rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri) – 2 Nos. 2. Great Billed Parrot / Moluccan Parrot (Tanygnathus megalorynchos) – 1 No. (dead) 3. Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) – 1 No.
The said wildlife was found concealed in the green-coloured trolley bag. The proceedings against the passenger have been initiated as per the provisions of Customs Act, 1962 read with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 01 passenger was arrested.
