Smuggling networks targeting rare wildlife appear to be tightening their grip in Gujarat, with recent cases exposing both the trafficking of live exotic animals through international flights and the illegal trade of high-value animal remains within the state. From parrots and geckos flown in from Bangkok to animal parts seized in Gandhinagar, enforcement agencies are now confronting a growing challenge in curbing wildlife crime.
Such an episode unravelled at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to a report by a city tabloid, customs officials intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok. He reportedly concealed live endangered species in his luggage. The resident of Mehsana, Bismillah Khan Baloch, landed on Thai Airways flight TG 343.
His suspicious behavior prompted a luggage check, which revealed six Australian Double Fig Parrots, one Red-Billed Leiothrix Parrot, and two Eastern Grey Geckos hidden in chocolate and snack boxes.
The animals were reportedly crammed into small containers to avoid detection and were found in distress. The animals were found in a poor and cramped condition, officials told the media outlet.
The Customs and forest department immediately took charge, following the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines, which mandate that animals brought into India illegally must be sent back on the same airline. By Wednesday night, all the birds and geckos were deported to Thailand on Thai Airways.
The report added that experts from the forest department identified the birds as native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia and confirmed their endangered status. The Eastern Grey Geckos were also reported to be in poor health. All animals were transferred to larger cages for safety.
After conducting a health check before deportation, officials mentioned that such species find it tough to survive too long in Indian weather.
Meanwhile, Customs officials have started investigating Baloch’s travel history. During initial questioning, he allegedly disclosed a growing market for rare and endangered wildlife in India, with most deliveries routed through Mumbai.
He reportedly told officers that rare and endangered animals are in high demand. Mumbai is the chief centre for most of their deliveries.
It has emerged that wildlife is often smuggled from Bangkok into Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat.
These birds and reptiles, sold in pairs, command prices between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 per pair.
In Gujarat, the demand is strong in Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat.
While central agencies are already under pressure to tackle smuggling of gold, drugs, and electronics at Ahmedabad airport, the latest case has heightened concern about the increasing use of international flights for wildlife trafficking.
In a related development, Gujarat CID Crime busted a separate wildlife smuggling ring and arrested three individuals—Mayur Gohel, Aamir Vohra, and Rizwan Hussain Shaikh—from Kheda district. The trio was apprehended near the Narmada Canal overbridge in Gandhinagar following a tip-off, allegedly while transporting high-value animal remains in a car.
Forest department officials were called to the scene, and a case under the Wildlife Protection Act has been registered against the accused.
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