The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a coordinated operation with the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Trichy foiled an attempt to smuggle 45 live reptiles into India from Trichy International Airport. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials stopped two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok via Colombo on 26 October 2026. Inspection of their luggage revealed 27 food packets containing unconscious live wildlife.
The seized reptiles included 23 corn snakes, 16 ball pythons, 5 Argentine black-and-white tegus and 1 snow-white iguana. These reptiles have been confiscated and both passengers were arrested by the AIU at Trichy under the Customs Act, 1962. The wildlife recovered during luggage inspection has been handed over to the AIU at Trichy for further action.
The successful operation underscores DRI’s commitment to tackling wildlife trafficking, using intelligence-driven enforcement and better coordination with customs officials to curb illegal movement of wildlife in the country.