SNAKES ON A PLANE: PASSENGER LANDS WITH 47 PYTHONS, 2 LIZARDS AT INDIAN AIRPORT

Wed 02 August 2023:

Customs officials in India’s Trichy international airport on Sunday seized 47 snakes and two lizards from a passenger’s trolley bag. The passenger, who arrived from Kuala Lumpur, has been detained.

The perpetrator was identified as Muhammad Moideen.

Upon his arrival at the Trichy airport by the Batik Air flight, Customs officials intercepted Moideen. Noticing something odd about his bags, officials opened to find live reptiles of different varieties and sizes concealed in several perforated boxes.

Forest officials reached the airport and recovered 47 pythons and two lizards. According to the rules, the forest department has initiated a process to send the reptiles back to Malaysia. Moideen has been detained for questioning.

The reptiles, which were packed in boxes with holes in them, were confiscated and are to be returned to Malaysia. It remained unclear for what reason the man had intended to smuggle the reptiles.

The Malay Mail reported that wildlife smugglers often try to bring exotic reptiles to India from Southeast Asia.

Further investigation is underway.