The Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) intercepted a major wildlife smuggling attempt involving the illegal import of live exotic animals from Bangkok, Thailand.
Acting on specific intelligence, customs officials on Friday intercepted three passengers who arrived at Bengaluru from Bangkok on an IndiGo Airlines flight (6E-1056). During inspection of their baggage, officials recovered several live exotic animals concealed inside suitcases.
The accused have been identified as Gite Aryan Sudam, 21, Sheikh Alsana Aslam, 26, and Shaikh Zareen Aslam, 46, all residents of Maharashtra. All three were allegedly found in possession of wildlife species without valid permits or clearance. The officials suspect that the trio are mules and part of an international smuggling syndicate.
According to officials, the seized animals include squirrel monkeys, green/yellow iguanas, albino iguanas, blue iguanas, Abert’s squirrels, Patagonian hares, and albino sugar gliders. Several of the animals were found dead at the time of seizure.
The species fall under various schedules of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Customs authorities stated that the import of live animals is strictly regulated under the Export-Import (EXIM) Policy and requires mandatory clearance from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS). Commercial trade of species listed under CITES and Schedule-IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act is prohibited.
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Southern Region, has been informed, and further legal action is being initiated under the Customs Act, 1962, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Officials said the surviving animals may be deported back to Thailand in consultation with AQCS, while the dead animals will be disposed of as per standard procedures.
Customs officials have sought details of offence reports and accused profiles to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Published – January 18, 2026 10:26 pm IST
