Live Reptiles from Thailand Seized in Bangalore Airport

Intelligence-led operation in coordination with Trichy Airport Customs seizes sedated reptiles concealed in food packets carried by passengers arriving from Bangkok via Colombo.

· Wildlife seizure: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in coordination with the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Trichy, intercepted an attempt to smuggle 45 live reptiles into India at Trichy International Airport on 26 October 2026.

· Passengers intercepted: Two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok via Colombo were intercepted on the basis of specific intelligence.

· Concealment method: The reptiles were found sedated and concealed in 27 food packets inside the passengers’ baggage.

· Species recovered:

Species	Quantity
Corn Snakes	23
Ball Pythons	16
Argentine Black and White Tegus	5
Snow White Iguana	1
Total	45

· Arrests and seizure: The reptiles were seized, and the two passengers were arrested by AIU, Trichy, under the Customs Act, 1962.

· Further action: The recovered wildlife was handed over to AIU, Trichy, for further necessary action.

· Enforcement significance: The operation highlights intelligence-led enforcement and coordination between DRI and Customs authorities to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.

[ABS News Service/28.10.2026]

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in a coordinated operation with the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Trichy, has foiled an attempt to smuggle 45 live reptiles into India through Trichy International Airport. Acting on specific intelligence, officers of DRI intercepted two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok via Colombo on 26 October 2026. A systematic examination of their baggage led to the recovery of live wildlife concealed in 27 food packets, with the animals found in a sedated condition.

The recovered reptiles comprised 23 Corn Snakes, 16 Ball Pythons, 5 Argentine Black and White Tegus and 1 Snow White Iguana. The reptiles were seized, and the two passengers were arrested by AIU, Trichy, under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The wildlife was recovered during the examination of the passengers’ baggage and handed over to AIU, Trichy, for further necessary action.

This successful interception underscores DRI’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking through intelligence-led enforcement and close coordination with Customs authorities to prevent the illegal movement of wildlife into the country.