Mumbai, Oct 24 (PTI) Mumbai Customs have arrested a passenger at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) allegedly with 154 wild animals including corn snake, yellow anaconda and bearded dragons, an official said on Friday.

The passenger, who arrived from Bangkok on Thursday, was arrested on specific information by a Mumbai Customs Zone III team, he added.

"A search of his trolley bag led to seizure of 154 wild animals of 11 types. He was trying to smuggle these into India. They include 66 corn snakes, 31 hognose snakes, 26 armadillo lizards, 11 bearded dragons, four yellow anacondas, four water monitor lizards, three yellow footed tortoises, three albino snapping turtles, two red footed tortoises, raccoons and iguanas each," he said.

The passenger was arrested under provisions of Customs Act and Wildlife Protection Act, he said. PTI DC BNM

Passenger held at Mumbai airport after baggage search seizes 154 wild animals under customs and wildlife laws. Customs searched a passenger's baggage at Mumbai airport after arrival from Bangkok and seized 154 wild animals of 11 species. The passenger was detained and the seizure and detention were effected under the Customs Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, reflecting enforcement of import controls and statutory prohibitions on unauthorized transport of protected species.