Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Mumbai Airport Customs Seizes Wildlife, Gold and Drugs
Customs officers at Mumbai Airport caught a passenger from Bangkok trying to smuggle animals in his luggage.
The animals included monkeys and turtles, some of which are protected species.
The passenger was arrested and the case is under investigation.
In separate incidents, customs officials also seized gold from an airline staffer and drugs from another passenger from Bangkok.
These actions aimed to prevent illegal activities.
Mumbai Customs arrested a passenger from Bangkok for smuggling live wildlife.
Officials found two Kinkajous, two Pygmy Marmosets, and 50 Albino Red-Eared Sliders.
The Kinkajous and Marmosets are protected under CITES and India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
The passenger, Sharukkhan Mohammed Hassian, was arrested under the Customs Act and Wildlife Protection Act.
The Customs also seized gold and drugs in separate operations.
- Who
- A passenger from Bangkok (wildlife, drugs) and an airline staffer (gold).
- What
- Mumbai Customs seized live wildlife, gold, and drugs in separate incidents.
- When
- Recently, including Saturday for the wildlife smuggling.
- Where
- Mumbai Airport, India.
- Why
- To prevent smuggling and illegal activities.
Legal and Regulatory Perspectives
Criminal Actions
Enforcement of Laws
Legal and Regulatory Perspectives
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 seeks to conserve and protect wildlife.
Criminal Actions
The Customs Act, 1962 prevents illegal import and export of goods.
- Wildlife Smuggler
- Sharukkhan Mohammed Hassian
- Seized Animals
- Two Kinkajous, two Pygmy Marmosets, 50 Albino Red-Eared Sliders
- Gold Value
- ₹2.78 crore
- Gold Weight
- 3 kg
- Drug Value
- ₹1 crore (approx.)
- Drug Type
- Hydroponic weed (Marijuana)
- Drug Weight
- 947 grams
- Airline Staffer
- Intercepted for gold smuggling
- Passenger Origin
- Bangkok
