Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 31: In a major wildlife and narcotics crackdown, Mumbai Customs officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok and seized two endangered silvery gibbons — one of which was found dead — along with nearly eight kilograms of high-grade hydroponic marijuana in separate operations.
According to officials, the seizure was made on Wednesday based on specific intelligence inputs. During a thorough examination of the passenger’s baggage, officers discovered two silvery gibbons, aged about two and four months, hidden inside a basket placed within a trolley bag.
“The passenger has been arrested under the Customs Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act,” an official confirmed.
The silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch), native to Indonesia’s Java island, has been listed as an “endangered species” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild.
Officials said the illegal trafficking of such rare animals poses a serious threat to their survival. “The fatality rate of mammals during air travel is alarmingly high. Even if they survive the journey, their chances of living outside their natural habitat are extremely low,” the official added, emphasizing the cruelty and ecological damage caused by the exotic pet trade.
In a separate operation, Mumbai Customs nabbed another passenger who had also arrived from Bangkok with 7.970 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana) valued at Rs 7.97 crore. The contraband was cleverly concealed inside the passenger’s checked-in trolley bag.
Both passengers are now in custody as investigations continue into possible links with international wildlife and narcotics smuggling syndicates.
Customs officials reiterated their commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and drug smuggling, stating that Mumbai Airport remains under constant surveillance with advanced screening and intelligence coordination to prevent such illegal activities.