New Delhi: Indian authorities arrested a Canadian man at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for smuggling a crocodile skull. The 32-year-old was traveling from Delhi to Canada when he was detained for security screening.
During the inspection, customs officials found a skull wrapped in a cream-colored cloth. The skull, weighing approximately 777 grams, resembled the jaw of a baby crocodile. Authorities confirmed it belonged to a protected species under India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
Violation of Wildlife and Customs Laws
The discovery of the crocodile skull led to serious concerns over wildlife smuggling. The customs department stated the man violated both the Wildlife Protection Act and the Customs Act. In light of this violation, the skull was handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for lab testing.
Delhi Customs emphasized the importance of cooperation between Customs and Forest Departments to prevent wildlife smuggling. According to their statement, incidents like this highlight the severity of wildlife trafficking and the need for increased vigilance in the aviation sector.
Increasing Smuggling of Wildlife through Airports
The issue of wildlife smuggling via airports has been a growing concern in India. A 2022 TRAFFIC report indicated that India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector has contributed to increased misuse of airports for wildlife trafficking. The report found that between 2011 and 2020, 141 wildlife seizure cases were reported at airports across India. These incidents involved 146 animal species, with reptiles like crocodiles, snakes, and lizards accounting for nearly half of the seizures.
India’s ranking among the top ten countries using aviation for wildlife trafficking remains a pressing issue. Atul Bagai, former Head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in India, expressed alarm at the country’s involvement, calling it an “unwanted accolade.”
Growing Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking
The Indian government has intensified its efforts to combat the trafficking of wildlife. As part of this, authorities continue to enforce the Wildlife Protection Act and adhere to the CITES regulations. These measures are vital in curbing the illegal wildlife trade that flourishes through airports.
This case in Delhi is not an isolated one. Last year, a TSA agent in the United States uncovered a four-foot-long live boa constrictor in a passenger’s bag at Florida’s Tampa Airport. The incident led to humorous social media responses from the TSA, but underscored the broader issue of wildlife being smuggled through airports.
These arrests and discoveries highlight the ongoing struggle against wildlife trafficking, urging governments and authorities to tighten regulations.
