Mumbai Airport Officials Seize Dozens of Venomous Snakes Smuggled from Thailand
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Customs authorities at Mumbai International Airport intercepted a passenger attempting to smuggle a cache of venomous reptiles into India, uncovering dozens of snakes concealed in checked luggage. The Indian national had arrived on a flight from Thailand and was promptly arrested following the discovery.
Among the reptiles seized were 44 Indonesian pit vipers, three Spider-tailed horned vipers, and five Asian leaf turtles. The Indonesian pit vipers are known for their potent venom, while the Spider-tailed horned vipers, although venomous, primarily prey on small birds. The Asian leaf turtles are a protected species often targeted in illegal wildlife trade.
Officials from Mumbai Customs released images showing the snakes packed tightly inside containers, including blue and yellow vipers writhing in plastic buckets. The seizure marks a rare but alarming incident involving reptiles, as Mumbai's airport typically sees contraband involving gold, currency, narcotics, or drug capsules swallowed by smugglers.
This incident is part of a concerning trend of exotic wildlife smuggling through Indian airports. In February, customs intercepted a traveler carrying five endangered Siamang gibbons concealed in a crate hidden within a trolley bag. In separate cases last year, officers uncovered live turtles, hornbill birds, and juvenile caimans — all smuggled aboard flights from Thailand.
International wildlife smuggling through India continues to pose serious risks to biodiversity, public health, and regional security. Authorities have pledged to maintain strict vigilance against the trafficking of endangered and dangerous species.
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