78 animals, including snakes & capuchin monkeys, seized at Karnataka Airport: Customs 

India has witnessed a rise in smuggling cases in recent months, especially of gold and drugs at various airports across the country. However, Bengaluru Customs seized almost 55 ball pythons, 17 king cobras and six capuchin money at Kempegowda International Airport in Karnataka’s capital city on Wednesday, said the officials.

Bengaluru Customs seizes pythons, cobras and monkey

While the pythons and cobras were alive, the six money were found dead, they said.

Briefing about the case, the Bengaluru Customs said that the animals were stuffed in baggage and arrived on an Air Asia flight from Bangkok (Flight Number FD 137) which landed at Bengaluru airport at 10:30 pm on Wednesday.

Official statements

“The baggage which arrived by Flight No. FD 137 Air Asia from Bangkok at 10:30 pm was found to contain a total of 78 animals comprising 55 Ball Pythons (in different colour morphs) and 17 King Cobras. These were found alive and in active condition. However, six (06) Capuchin Monkeys were found to be dead,” the release by the Bengaluru Customs read.

Now, all the said 78 animals are Schedule animals under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and listed under Appendices of CITES, it added.

The animals were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, of 1962. The live animals have been deported to the country of origin and the dead animals have been disposed of with proper sanitary measures, the statement read. Further investigation is under progress.