Exotic Wildlife Seized at Bhubaneswar Airport in Smuggling Attempt

By A Staff Reporter

Bhubaneswar: Customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) seized a consignment of exotic wildlife, including king snakes, monitor lizards, and chameleons, in a major smuggling bust earlier today.

The illegal shipment was reportedly being smuggled from Bangkok, Thailand, to Chennai via Bhubaneswar. Acting on intelligence inputs, customs authorities intercepted the consignment during a routine inspection.

“We discovered multiple species of exotic animals concealed in the luggage of a passenger. The case is being investigated further to determine the network behind this smuggling attempt,” said a senior customs official.

Wildlife trafficking is a serious offense under India’s Wildlife Protection Act and international conservation laws. Authorities are now working to identify the individuals involved and ensure the rescued animals receive proper care.

This incident highlights the growing menace of illegal wildlife trade, with traffickers increasingly using transit points like Bhubaneswar to bypass strict surveillance at major international airports.