Customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar seized exotic animals, including king snakes, monitor lizards, and turtles, on Saturday. These animals were hidden in chocolate boxes and were trying to be smuggled from Bangkok, Thailand, to Chennai.
A customs officer named Injeet Kumar Mohanty said they searched the luggage of a traveler coming from Chennai after getting a tip-off. When they checked the bags, they found the animals inside. The passenger was taken into custody and is being questioned.
In total, officials found nine California king snakes, ten pig-nose turtles, and twelve Nile monitor lizards. Sadly, three of the lizards were dead. The seized animals have been given to the forest department for protection. Early investigations revealed that the animals were meant for sale in Tamil Nadu.
Customs Officials Seize Rare Wildlife at Bhubaneswar Airport!
Customs seized exotic animals like king snakes and lizards at Bhubaneswar Airport, hidden in chocolate boxes. Investigations reveal plans to sell them in Chennai.
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