MUMBAI — Indian customs officials intercepted a passenger from Thailand at Mumbai airport carrying nearly 100 live and dead exotic animals, including lizards, sunbirds, possums, iguanas, tarantulas, tortoises, and a kinkajou. The smuggler appeared nervous upon arrival, prompting the search.

Among the creatures were six sugar gliders, a tree-climbing marsupial, and other rare species protected under wildlife laws. This seizure follows similar cases, including one earlier in June involving venomous vipers and turtles, highlighting a surge in exotic pet smuggling via the Thailand-India route.

According to TRAFFIC, over 7,000 animals have been seized along this air corridor in the last 3.5 years, with most interceptions occurring in India. Officials warn that demand for exotic pets is fueling this illegal trade, which is becoming increasingly frequent and concerning.