Man held for smuggling exotic spiders from Bangkok to Bengaluru

Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport have detained an Indian national who allegedly arrived from Bangkok carrying multiple spider species hidden in his checked-in baggage.

Yaashar Samiullah Sheriff Umera Banu landed at Terminal 2 on an AirAsia flight that touched down around 10.15 p.m., and Customs officers allegedly discovered the concealed spiders during routine baggage screening.

Suspected wildlife smuggling network

Authorities detained the passenger for questioning and are now examining the recovered species to determine their source, nature and intended purpose. An initial probe revealed that the accused was allegedly working as a courier for an international wildlife smuggling syndicate and received payment for the job in addition to his travel costs.

Officials said the accused was instructed to hand over the consignment to a person waiting outside the airport. Further details regarding the exact number of spiders and their specific species were not immediately available.

Investigation continues

Customs authorities are continuing their investigation into the smuggling operation. The interception highlights ongoing concerns about illegal wildlife trafficking through Indian airports, particularly involving exotic species transported from Southeast Asian hubs.

Source: The Hindu