• An Indian national was arrested for smuggling venomous snakes and turtles into Mumbai.
• Authorities seized 44 Indonesian pit vipers and three spider-tailed horned vipers.
• The reptiles were concealed in checked baggage and have been handed to wildlife protection agencies.

Indian customs officials intercepted a passenger at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after he arrived from Thailand with a haul of illegal wildlife. The man was caught with 44 Indonesian pit vipers, three spider-tailed horned vipers, and five Asian leaf turtles, all hidden in his checked baggage, according to SCMP and BBC.

The interception highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife trafficking, particularly involving endangered species. Indian authorities emphasized that the passenger had not acquired the required permits for importing these species, which violates India’s wildlife protection laws aimed at preserving biodiversity. This case follows a pattern of recent seizures, such as the capture of Siamang gibbons and exotic turtles from various passengers arriving from Thailand, noted in reports from India Times and Bangkok Post.

This situation illustrates the risks and consequences of illegal wildlife trade, which not only poses a threat to specific species but also impacts ecosystems. Customs officials released photographs of the seized reptiles certified as venomous and outlined plans for their safe handling in accordance with wildlife protection protocols. Support from wildlife experts is being sought for the process, according to Dawn and CBS News.