The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, on Wednesday successfully intercepted an alleged wildlife smuggler at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The accused had arrived from Bangkok. According to sources, the majority of smuggled wildlife is from Thailand, with affluent families acquiring these creatures as pets and livestock and occasionally using them as trophies.

The individual apprehended by DRI is believed to be a carrier, and the receiver and those orchestrating the illegal operation are being traced. “Upon meticulous examination of the suspect’s check-in luggage, DRI officers discovered nine ball pythons (python regius) and two corn snakes (pantherophis guttatus) cunningly concealed within biscuit and cake packets. Acting swiftly under the Customs Act 1962, the authorities seized the reptiles,” an official said.