A man was detained at an airport in India after attempting to carry a baby crocodile skull onto a flight.
Officials from Delhi Customs stated that the 32-year-old was stopped during a security check at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) on Monday, January 6. He was set to fly from New Delhi to Canada.
The security team discovered that he had a “skull with sharp teeth” wrapped in a cream-colored cloth. The item weighed nearly 2 pounds and looked like the jaw of a baby crocodile.
Following the discovery, the skull was sent to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for examination. They confirmed it was indeed from a baby crocodile, which is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Their conclusion was based on the skull’s texture, tooth pattern, and the shape of its nostrils.
The man was arrested for illegal possession and attempting to export a protected wildlife item, as well as for violating the Customs Act of 1962, which forbids the illegal export and smuggling of such items.
Delhi Customs highlighted the seriousness of this violation, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Customs and Forest Departments to prevent wildlife smuggling.
The crocodile skull was handed over for further testing, and an investigation into the incident has begun.
Experts noted that India ranks among the top ten countries for wildlife trafficking via air travel. Recent incidents like this have led India and neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, to enhance efforts against wildlife trafficking by sharing intelligence and coordinating actions.
