Bengaluru— Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) arrested two passengers arriving from Bangkok after they were caught smuggling exotic wildlife species, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to Bengaluru Customs, officers intercepted the duo on November 9 and recovered a white-cheeked gibbon, a monkey, and a hornbill from their luggage. The officials said the passengers were taken into custody under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In a separate operation the same day, customs officers at the airport intercepted another passenger arriving from Bangkok and seized 2.99 kilograms of hydroponic ganja valued at ₹1.04 crore. The passenger was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Officials said both cases highlight the growing challenge of wildlife trafficking and narcotics smuggling through international routes. Investigations into the source and intended destination of the seized items are underway.
