Prepare to be shocked: Customs officers at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport intercepted a passenger carrying 16 live snakes in their luggage.
At a Glance
- 16 live snakes seized at Mumbai Airport from a passenger arriving from Thailand.
- The species included garter snakes, rhino rat snakes, and Kenyan sand boas.
- This marks the third live animal smuggling incident in Mumbai within a month.
- Over 7,000 animals seized on the Thailand-India route in recent years highlight endemic wildlife trafficking.
The Discovery Unfolds
Airport authorities in Mumbai uncovered a shocking live cargo of 16 snakes hidden inside a passenger’s luggage, fresh from Thailand. The list of species included garter snakes, rhino rat snakes, and albino rat snakes—creatures renowned for being part of the exotic pet trade due to their non-threatening nature. This incident, posted on social media by Mumbai Customs, underscores the rampant challenge of wildlife trafficking.
Watch a report: Shocking discovery at Mumbai airport
Customs officers continue to battle this ongoing trade with vigor. A similar situation unfolded when a python was discovered slithering inside a shoe from Australia. Such events reveal the extent of this criminal network, with smugglers continually devising new ways to hoodwink authorities.
Unveiling a Network
This alarming incident is unfortunately part and parcel of a larger pattern, with previous cases highlighting the exotic pet trade’s draw. Despite increased vigilance, officials still encounter breathtaking efforts to move wildlife illegally. Already this month in Mumbai, smugglers have attempted to transport both Indonesian pit vipers and over 100 live animals, encompassing endangered species. Compounding this issue are reports of a traveler in China with over 100 live snakes, echoing a similar story closer to home in Miami with TSA officers foiling a reptile-laden endeavor.
Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone-III foiled yet another wild life smuggling attempt, 16 live snakes-Garter, Rhino Rat, Albino Rat, Kenyan Sand Boa, CA King etc. seized from passenger returning from Thailand. Passenger arrested. Further investigation underway. pic.twitter.com/4n4o6ZK3U5
— Mumbai Customs-III (@mumbaicus3) June 29, 2025
“Wildlife trade monitor TRAFFIC, which battles the smuggling of wild animals and plants, has warned of a ‘very troubling’ trend in trafficking driven by the exotic pet trade.” – CBS report.
Each case underscores the widespread and complex web of wildlife trafficking, reinforced by a troubling tally of over 7,000 animals already seized along the Thailand-India air route in the past three and a half years.
A Call to Action
Efforts to mitigate wildlife smuggling require ongoing diligence and support from international agencies and local customs officials. The alarming frequency highlighted by these recent cases sends a clarion call for further investigation and stricter regulations. Without a doubt, this persistent illegal activity exacerbates the tension between human industries and wildlife conservation.
As the authorities intensify their efforts to apprehend these brazen violators, public awareness and collaboration with wildlife conservation entities will be crucial. With surrounding state engagements and continuous advocacy, it remains possible to stunt this crime’s growth however exhaustive the fight may be.
