Passenger caught with 40 venomous snakes, turtles at Mumbai Airport

Indian customs authorities have arrested a passenger arriving at Mumbai airport from Thailand. He was allegedly to smuggle into the country around 40 venomous snakes and five turtles in his checked luggage.

The reptiles, including dozens of Indonesian-origin snakes, were concealed inside the man’s suitcase, raising alarm over growing attempts to traffic exotic wildlife through Indian airports. Customs also confirmed the presence of five Asian turtles among the seized animals.

Photos released by Bombay Customs showed the reptiles — some in vivid blue and yellow colors —tightly packed in containers inside the passenger’s bag. The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed.

This incident adds to a disturbing pattern. Just a few months earlier, customs officials intercepted a traveler smuggling five siamang gibbons, an endangered monkey species native to Southeast Asia, hidden in a plastic box inside a carry-on bag.

Between September and November of last year, Mumbai Customs reported multiple wildlife seizures, including live turtles, painted hornbills, and even tropical American caimans.

Wildlife smuggling remains a serious concern for Indian authorities, who continue to strengthen border surveillance and collaborate with international agencies to combat illegal trafficking.