On 05.07.2024, Air Intelligence Officers of Anna International Airport at Chennai intercepted a male passenger, who had arrived from Bangkok on the basis of an intelligence. On examination of the baggage carried by the passenger Shri Ateeq Ahmed, officers found Exotic Wildlife species concealed in carton boxes. Immediately on recovery of the boxes containing wildlife animals, officials from Wildlife Crime Control Bureau at Chennai were informed. Shri Doki Adimallaiah, Wildlife Inspector, WCCB, Southern Region, Chennai on examination of the wildlife species identified the Exotic Wildlife species:

Common name of the species: Green Baby Iguana(229 Nos.), Orange Baby Iguana(113 Nos.), Yellow Baby Iguana(7 Nos.), Blue Baby Iguana (53 Nos.)

Scientific Name: Iguana iguana(Green, Orange and Yellow), Cyclura lewisi (Blue Iguana)

Out of the total 402 Nos. of baby Iguanas, 67 Nos. were already found dead. The dead baby Iguanas were incinerated with the help of Blue Cross Foundation at Velacherry, Chennai on 06.07.2024.   Alive Baby Iguanas were hydrated and fed with vegetables on the advice of WCCB Officials.

All of the above mentioned species, covered under the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES), Appendix-I & Appendix-II under Schedule-IV Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 read with DGFT Import Policy, were seized under The Customs Act, 1962 read with the provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Air Customs Officials treated the rescued exotic animals at the airport with utmost care with the help of WCCB Officials. The live species were deported back to Bangkok after being certified. Shri Ateeq Ahamed, who attempted to smuggle the exotic species from Bangkok into India was arrested and produced before Judge at Alandur Court who remanded him to judicial custody. He was sent to Central Prison at Puzhal. Further investigation is in progress to identify the person involved in the crime.

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