Customs officials seize drugs, exotic wildlife in twin smuggling busts at Hyderabad airport

Customs officials at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, carried two major interceptions on Monday (September 8, 2025) uncovering narcotics and exotic wildlife being smuggled into the country.

In the first case, officers stopped a passenger who had arrived from Bangkok. On examining the checked-in baggage, they found 13.9 kilograms of suspected hydroponic weed carefully concealed in a trolley bag. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth ₹13.9 crore in the illicit market. The passenger was taken into custody for further investigation.

On the same day, in a separate case, two other passengers travelling from Bangkok were intercepted after customs officials grew suspicious during baggage checks. Their luggage was found to contain four Green-keeled Lizards, ten Girdled Lizards and two Monitor Lizards, species that are protected under wildlife protection laws.

The reptiles, smuggled in violation of conservation regulations, were seized and later deported back to Bangkok in line with international wildlife protocols. Both passengers involved in the smuggling attempt were arrested. Investigations are underway.