Inhuman wildlife trafficker arrested at KIA

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a shocking and inhuman incident, a young kangaroo lost its life, purportedly due to suffocation, while it was being smuggled from Bangkok to Bengaluru by a wildlife trafficker.

The incident took place at the KIA here. The matter came to light on Monday when Customs officials at the airport intercepted a suspect, a 32-year-old man hailing from Tamil Nadu, upon his arrival.

Sources said the suspect was held when he was crossing the green channel and heading towards the exit gate of the international arrival area.

The suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, was found in possession of a suitcase containing 234 wild animals, including pythons, chameleons, iguanas, turtles and alligators.

The Customs handed over the creatures to the Forest department for proper care and safe release. The air intelligence unit officers of the Bengaluru Customs were shocked when they found a dead baby kangaroo concealed in one of the suitcases.

According to sources, the joey was stuffed inside a plastic container in the suitcase.

On discovering the deceased baby kangaroo, a Customs officer turned emotional and said, "In one of the containers, there was something that looked like a small dog. We opened it and were stunned to find that it was a baby kangaroo concealed inside. Sadly, it had died due to suffocation within the suitcase."

A thorough inspection of the belongings of the traveller revealed that his suitcase held a cache of live wildlife, including rare species of turtles and snakes, all of which were found to be in distress but still alive.

During enquiry by Customs officials, the suspect claimed innocence, asserting that he had no knowledge of the suitcase's contents.