MUMBAI – Over 600 exotic animals valued at almost RM1.7 million smuggled in consignments disguised as aquarium fish were seized by Indian authorities.
According to a report from the Times of India, two men were arrested by India’s Revenue Intelligence Directorate (DRI) following the confiscation.
The report said that DRI received information about the exotic animal consignment arriving from Malaysia at the Air Cargo Complex Sahar, Mumbai on October 5.
“When DRI personnel reached the spot, they learnt that Customs had already cleared the consignment and it had been received by (a man named) Raja.
“The officials took the number of the vehicle transporting the consignment and intercepted it on a flyover,” according to the report.
One of the suspects admitted to being in touch with David Lu, an overseas supplier. As instructed by Lu, he also admitted to paying ₹9 lakh (RM50,000) to Raja. Lu’s nationality was not stated.
A total of 30 packages were reported to be unloaded during the seizure, where 13 of those were hiding 665 animals, such as tortoises, pythons, lizards, and iguanas.
Out of the total, only 548 were found alive.
The seized animals are protected under the appendices of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a treaty that has been signed by 184 countries, including Malaysia and India. – The Vibes, October 9, 2022
