KIA seeing a surge in wildlife trafficking

Hameed Ashraf | NT

Bengaluru: As traffickers and law enforcement engage in a constant battle of wits, wildlife trafficking has been keeping customs officials on their toes.

It was just another suspicious case of trafficking when Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport intercepted a flyer upon his arrival in Bengaluru on August 21.

However, the air intelligence unit (AIU) officers were shocked when they found that the passenger was carrying around 234 wild animals in different suitcases.

Unfortunately, a baby kangaroo was found dead in one of those suitcases. In September, at least 17 baby king cobras and 55 Ball Pythons among other animals were found in the baggage of a passenger who landed in the city. The identities of the suspect, however, remained undisclosed.

According to sources, the passengers hailed from Tamil Nadu. The officials posted at the airport said that Customs officials are seeing an increasing frequency in the capture of such animals and their parts in such large numbers.

Flyers are being arrested for trying to smuggle wildlife animals and their parts to and from various countries.

"The suspects were promptly arrested and subsequently imprisoned, facing charges under Section 104 of the Customs Act. Their claims of ignorance regarding the suitcase's contents highlight the intricate layers of complicity and deceit that often shroud wildlife trafficking operations," an official told News Trail.

The officials said that Wildlife trafficking is a form of transnational organised crime and involves poaching, smug gling, and illegal collection or capture of protected wildlife.