Man is arrested for trying to smuggle crocodile skulls at the airport
Indian authorities arrested a Canadian man at New Delhi airport after he tried to take a crocodile skull on his flight.
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Details of crocodile skull discovered at Indian airport
Delhi Customs stopped the 32-year-old at security checkpoint at the Indira Gandhi International Airport ahead of his flight to Canada on January 6. Authorities initially found the man, whose identity was not released, carrying “a skull with sharp teeth.” ” per PEOPLE.
In a post on X (Earlier on Twitter, Delhi Customs shared that the item resembled the jaw of a baby crocodile. CNN The Ministry of Forests and Wildlife reportedly conducted a forensic examination of the skull and confirmed that it was a baby crocodile. The animal is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The organization determined this by examining the crocodile skull’s texture, tooth pattern, bony palate and the shape of its nostrils.
Authorities then arrested the man for illegal possession of the skull. Furthermore, it attempted to export a protected wildlife item and violated the Customs Act, 1962. Furthermore, the Ministry of Forests and Wildlife seized the crocodile head for laboratory testing.
“This case highlights a serious violation of wildlife and customs laws,” Delhi Customs wrote. “Cooperation between customs and forest authorities is crucial to ensure that such protected wildlife items are not smuggled.”
🚨 Canadian man arrested at IGI airport in New Delhi for carrying crocodile skull 🐊
Customs Department
IGI Airport, New Delhi
Date: January 6, 2025Flight and passenger details:
•Flight number: Air Canada (AC 051)
•Route: New Delhi to Canada
•Departure date: January 6th, 2025… pic.twitter.com/qX4qX3nyqZ— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) January 9, 2025
What’s next for the crocodile skull and more information on the wildlife trade in India?
Delhi Customs has launched a further investigation into the incident. Atul Bagai, the former head of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in India, told CNN that India frequently faces wildlife trafficking, making the man’s capture a significant achievement.
“India is among the top ten countries when it comes to using the aviation sector for wildlife trade. “This is an unwanted award.” As explained.
CNN says this is not the first time someone has attempted to smuggle animals or animal parts through airports in India. Between 2011 and 2020, there were 141 wildlife seizures at airports, involving 146 different species. Reptiles were among the most commonly found animals, accounting for 46% of seizures, including crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles.
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What do you think, roommates?
