Madurai airport seizes live reptiles from passenger

Customs officials at Madurai airport seized several live reptiles from a passenger arriving from Bangkok via Colombo. The passenger was acting suspiciously, leading to the discovery of the animals on March 19. Among the seized reptiles, there were 11 types of snakes, 18 green iguanas, 7 chameleons, and 50 tortoises, including three black tortoises. The creatures were found wrapped in packets, and officials are continuing their investigation into the case. This incident follows a similar event at Chennai airport, where customs officials intercepted two travelers arriving from Kuala Lumpur. Last week, they found eight exotic animals, including five live ones and three deceased. The recovered animals at Chennai included endangered Eastern Grey Gibbons, two of which were alive. Officials also seized vulnerable species such as marbled polecats and a silvery lutung. The animals were hidden in ventilated boxes inside the passengers' checked luggage. This suggests a resurgence of wildlife trafficking at these airports.