Indian authorities rescue 379 animals smuggled from Malaysia

 

A source said the animals appear to have been smuggled from Malaysia and Thailand. (X pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Indian airport customs officials on Sunday rescued 379 endangered animals being smuggled to Bengaluru from Malaysia inside a stuffed suitcase.

According to the New Indian Express, the animals were found based on a tip-off after officials inspected a passenger’s luggage when it arrived at 10.20pm local time at Kempegowda International Airport on Batik Air Malaysia flight OD241.

The report quoted a source as saying the animals, which included green iguanas, pacman frogs, African spurred tortoises and one giant gecko, will be sent back to Malaysia soon.

The source said officials booked the trafficker, an Indian national, under the Wildlife Act and Customs Act.

“The animals, many miniature in size, were found stuffed inside clothes in his luggage. They were squeezed so tightly in order to fit inside just one bag. Eight of the frogs had died of suffocation,” another source said.

All the animals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). A CITES permit is required to import or export these species.

A source said the animals appear to have been smuggled from Malaysia and Thailand.

“Smuggling of wildlife from Asian countries to Chennai airport used to be a common activity, but of late we have noticed a shift to Bengaluru.

“Animal welfare organisations and NGOs have been alerted and are assisting customs officials on the steps to be taken to keep the animals in good shape before they are transported back to their home countries,” said the source. - FMT