Customs and DRI officials at Mumbai International Airport intercepted passengers arriving from Indonesia last night and found live birds of paradise hidden in their luggage. The birds, being smuggled illegally, are now receiving care, and efforts are underway to return them to their native habitat.

Pawan Sharma, honorary wildlife warden of Thane and president of the NGO RAWW, said, “On Wednesday night, the DRI and Customs intercepted passengers flying from Indonesia to India and discovered live birds of paradise in their baggage, which were being smuggled illegally.”