Man smuggling 10 anacondas from Bangkok arrested at Bengaluru airport

A passenger arriving from Bangkok was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after 10 yellow anacondas were found hidden in the checked baggage. The Bengaluru Customs shared the photos of the rescued snakes and wrote that the “investigation is ongoing”. Officials further claimed that “wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated.” In response to this post, an More information on this case is expected.

Anacondas are not native to India and it is illegal to keep them as pets. The yellow anaconda found in the passenger is endemic to South American countries such as Paraguay, Bolivia, northeastern Argentina and northern Uruguay. In many places, anacondas are kept as pets by exotic animal enthusiasts. Anacondas are also trafficked for their skin in the illegal pet trade.

This is not the first time that animal smugglers have been intercepted at Kempegowda International Airport. In 2023, three passengers were caught with fourteen reptiles and four primates. The animals were handed over to the Karnataka Forest Department. According to the Times of India, investigation into the case led officials to a farm on the outskirts of Bengaluru. In this farm, officials have rescued 139 wild animals, including anacondas, monkeys and even exotic birds of various species.

Despite strict wildlife trade laws around the world, wildlife smuggling remains a persistent problem. In June 2022, two Indian women were arrested at Bangkok airport after they were found with 109 wild animals in their suitcases. These animals included turtles, white porcupines, lizards and snakes. The women went to Chennai on a Thai Airways flight. Bangkok Post reported that the women were booked under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019, the Animal Act of 2015 and the Customs Act of 2017.

A press release from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation stated that two iguanas were found dead and that all the reptiles were in a dehydrated condition at the time of their rescue. The animals were immediately supported with vitamin supplements and sent to a wildlife rescue center. Many animals smuggled through airports often die en route because they are kept in cramped boxes or luggage to avoid detection and escape.