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Pune Customs Seize 20 Exotic Animals, Arrest Two in Bangkok–India Smuggling Network

Authorities have arranged for CITES-compliant repatriation of the seized species.

In Pune, the latest seizure on July 15 involved over 20 rare species—including Green Tree Pythons, Double-eyed Fig Parrots, and Sumatran Striped Rabbits—recovered from the baggage of a passenger flying in from Bangkok. (HT FILE)
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14 Green Tree Pythons (Morelia viridis) were seized — 13 alive and one found dead. (HT PHOTO)

Overview

  • On July 15, Pune Customs officers acting on intelligence intercepted passengers Zaheerabbas Aynal Mandal and Bhavesh Rameshbhai Solanki arriving from Bangkok and found 20 exotic animals in their baggage
  • The haul comprised 14 green tree pythons (13 alive, one dead), four double-eyed fig parrots and two Sumatran striped rabbits transported without required clearances
  • A case under the Customs Act, 1962, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, has been registered as investigators probe the broader trafficking corridor linking Bangkok and Maharashtra
  • RESQ Charitable Trust and Maharashtra forest department teams provided emergency medical care and ongoing veterinary follow-up at the airport treatment centre
  • This interception marks the sixth consignment seized at Pune and Mumbai airports since June, bringing the total to more than 350 exotic animals trafficked along this route