Bhubaneswar: Customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) seized a variety of exotic species, including king snakes, monitor lizards, and chameleons, on Saturday.
The animals were allegedly being smuggled from Bangkok, Thailand, to Chennai via Bhubaneswar.
According to reports, the Department of Customs intercepted a luggage containing these trafficked species, which were being transported on a flight bound for Chennai. Among the rescued animals were nine king snakes, 10 chameleons, 12 tortoises, and monitor lizards.
A youth from Chennai has been detained for questioning in connection with the smuggling attempt.
Assistant Commissioner of Customs Ranjit Kumar Mohanty, confirmed, “The accused was carrying the luggage containing exotic species for sale. The baggage was seized upon his arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport.”
