Indian customs officials continue to combat illegal wildlife trade with stringent enforcement measures following recent incidents.
Crocodile Skull Discovery Leads to Canadian Man's Arrest at Delhi Airport
Crocodile Skull Discovery Leads to Canadian Man's Arrest at Delhi Airport
A Canadian man was taken into custody for carrying a prohibited crocodile skull in his luggage, highlighting ongoing wildlife trafficking issues.
The Delhi airport was the scene of an unexpected wildlife trafficking arrest when a Canadian man, aged 32, was caught attempting to board a flight to Canada with a crocodile skull concealed in his luggage. The incident occurred during a routine security check on Monday, where officers discovered a suspicious package wrapped in a cream-colored cloth.
Upon further examination, customs officials unearthed a skull measuring approximately 777 grams and bearing sharp teeth indicative of a baby crocodile. The skull was subsequently handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for analysis, revealing that it belonged to a species protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act due to its unique texture and tooth pattern.
Authorities stated that the man's possession of the skull constituted a breach of India's wildlife protection laws as well as the Customs Act. Reports suggest that he acquired the skull during travels in Thailand, but he lacked the necessary permits to transport wildlife items. While he claimed not to have hunted or harmed the crocodile himself, the case against him remains active, with further testing planned to ascertain the skull’s exact subspecies.
This incident reiterates the persistent challenge of wildlife trafficking in the region, as Delhi customs officials remain vigilant. They recounted another recent case where a Canadian woman was apprehended at the same airport with unusual animal horns she intended to keep as souvenirs.
As investigations continue, this case emphasizes the crucial role of customs in preventing illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species.
Upon further examination, customs officials unearthed a skull measuring approximately 777 grams and bearing sharp teeth indicative of a baby crocodile. The skull was subsequently handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for analysis, revealing that it belonged to a species protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act due to its unique texture and tooth pattern.
Authorities stated that the man's possession of the skull constituted a breach of India's wildlife protection laws as well as the Customs Act. Reports suggest that he acquired the skull during travels in Thailand, but he lacked the necessary permits to transport wildlife items. While he claimed not to have hunted or harmed the crocodile himself, the case against him remains active, with further testing planned to ascertain the skull’s exact subspecies.
This incident reiterates the persistent challenge of wildlife trafficking in the region, as Delhi customs officials remain vigilant. They recounted another recent case where a Canadian woman was apprehended at the same airport with unusual animal horns she intended to keep as souvenirs.
As investigations continue, this case emphasizes the crucial role of customs in preventing illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species.
