Snakes in the Baggage: Mumbai Customs Seize 47 Venomous Vipers

Mumbai, India – Indian customs officials at Mumbai’s airport foiled a smuggling attempt involving dozens of venomous snakes on a flight from Thailand. A passenger, an Indian national, was arrested after authorities discovered 44 Indonesian pit vipers and three Spider-tailed horned vipers concealed in their checked baggage. The snakes, along with five Asian leaf turtles, were seized by Mumbai Customs.

This seizure is one of several unusual cases of wildlife smuggling at Mumbai airport in recent months. In February, customs officials stopped a smuggler with five endangered Siamang gibbons, also arriving from Thailand. Other seizures include live turtles, hornbill birds, and caimans.

The passenger was arrested, and further investigation is underway.