Indian smuggler caught at airport with 52 live venomous snakes and exotic animals
An Indian passenger allegedly trying to smuggle venomous vipers was held in Mumbai after flying from Thailand, customs officials in the western city said on Sunday.
The man, whose identity wasn't revealed, had concealed 52 live animals, including 44 Indonesian pit vipers, in his checked-in luggage.
Photos released by Mumbai Customs showed dozens of turquoise-coloured pit vipers squirming in a bucket and venomous spider-tailed horned vipers slithering.
He was also carrying Asian leaf turtles, native to Southeast Asia and known for their distinctive camouflage of leaf-like carapace.
'An Indian national arriving from Thailand was arrested,' Mumbai Customs said, adding that they had seized 44 Indonesian pit vipers, three spider-tailed horned vipers and five Asian leaf turtles.
One of the 44 pit vipers had died by the time the luggage was opened.
The man, travelling from Bangkok, was intercepted after he 'exhibited signs of nervousness', The Times of india">India quoted the investigators as saying.
The haul of live animals is a rare seizure in Mumbai, where customs authorities regularly seize smuggled gold, cash or drugs. However, this is not the first time they have found live animals flown into India.
In February, Mumbai airport authorities found a smuggler with five endangered Siamang gibbons, a small ape native to the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The apes were found concealed in a plastic crate placed inside the passenger's trolley bag.
In April last year, customs officials in the southern city of Bangalore arrested a passenger for allegedly smuggling 10 yellow anacondas concealed in his checked-in bag. The passenger was flying in from Bangkok, Thailand.
In September 2023, a passenger from Bangkok was found carrying six Capuchin monkeys, 55 ball pythons in various colour variations, and 17 king cobras in their luggage. The primates were found dead, but the snakes were still alive and were later sent to their country of origin.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
12 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Brampton mayor ‘cautiously optimistic' about Bishnoi gang terrorist designation
OTTAWA - Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said he's 'cautiously optimistic' about the chances of India's Lawrence Bishnoi gang being named as a terrorist group after meeting with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. Brown said he and representatives of Peel police met with the federal minister Wednesday after he asked police whether adding the Bishnoi gang to Ottawa's list of terrorist organizations would help with enforcement. British Columbia Premier David Eby sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this week asking him to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization — something the government did with seven other transnational criminal organizations earlier this year. Brown said Peel police told him a terrorist designation 'would be helpful' and that the gang is involved in 'serious criminal activity.' 'We're talking about extortions and murders in our region. I think (Anandasangaree) took it seriously. I'm cautiously optimistic that he's going to make this designation,' Brown said. Asked about Eby's request Wednesday, Anandasangaree said national security officials 'continuously' review whether criminal organizations meet the legal threshold to be named as terrorist groups. RCMP have alleged Indian diplomats shared information about Sikh separatists in Canada with the Indian government and that top Indian officials then passed the information to the Bishnoi gang. Brown said the gang has become more brazen in Brampton and local police have spotted vehicles with Bishnoi-affiliated decals in the Ontario city. 'They have over 700 shooters worldwide. They meet every threshold that is required to be designated as a terrorist organization,' he said. 'And if we can give police this tool to allow them to better combat this threat in Canada, I think that, you know, is a no-brainer.' The Criminal Code defines terrorist activity as a violent act that is, in whole or in part, committed for political, ideological or religious purposes and is meant to intimidate a segment of the public. Lawrence Bishnoi has been in an Indian prison since 2015 and has more than two dozen criminal cases pending against him. He has been accused of orchestrating violent acts of extortion while incarcerated, using a cellphone. The National Investigation Agency, India's counterterrorism agency, said in 2023 that Bishnoi ran his 'terror group from jails in different states' in India and through an associate in Canada. Once a group is listed as a terrorist entity in Canada, any property owned by the group can be frozen by the government and law enforcement can deploy additional tools to probe crimes associated with financing, travel and recruitment. 'If there was someone who came by with a decal on their car or on their jacket that was of Lawrence Bishnoi, and we have seen that, it would give the police tools to embark on an immediate investigation,' Brown said. 'So sometimes the judicial process, because you're seeking warrants or authorization, doesn't move as fast as required to deal with the agility of these criminal networks.' -With files from Fakiha Baig in Toronto This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Business Upturn
16 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Illegal Mosquito Incense Sticks Spark Concern in Western India: Good Knight Survey
67% of West Indian residents feel uneasy using unregulated mosquito products, highlights growing health risk. By Riddhima Jain Published on June 20, 2025, 16:57 IST Last updated June 20, 2025, 17:00 IST A recent survey by Good Knight, a leading household insecticide brand from Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (GCPL), has revealed growing unease among residents of Western India regarding the use of illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks. The study, titled 'One Mosquito, Countless Threats,' was conducted by market research firm YouGov and shows that 67% of people in the region feel uncomfortable or irritated when using such unregulated products. The report further highlights that 60% of respondents in the western region—which includes Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh—are highly selective about the mosquito repellents they use, emphasizing a strong preference for government-approved, safe products. In fact, 75% of West Indian consumers opt for officially approved repellents, despite the growing presence of illegal alternatives. Nationally, 69% of respondents shared similar discomfort, with East India leading the concern at 73%. The report also shows that both men (70%) and women (67%) are nearly equally disturbed by these products, which often contain unregistered Chinese chemicals. The illegal mosquito incense stick market is rapidly growing, currently valued at ₹320 crore in Western India alone, out of a national market size of ₹1600 crore, and is expanding by 20% annually. Maharashtra is reportedly the largest market for these illegal products in the region, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Speaking on the findings, Shilpa Suresh, Head of Marketing – Home Care at GCPL, said, 'Many of these incense sticks are illegally manufactured and pose serious health risks. Good Knight remains committed to offering science-backed, safe, and government-approved mosquito solutions for Indian homes.' Echoing these concerns, Jayant Deshpande, Honorary Secretary of the Home Insects Control Association (HICA), called the use of illegal mosquito incense sticks 'a silent killer entering homes.' He urged citizens to check for CIBRC registration numbers on repellent packaging to ensure safety and authenticity. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Business Upturn
16 hours ago
- Business Upturn
New-Age Parenting: Clean Ingredients, Conscious Choices
Parenting today looks nothing like it did a generation ago. While the love and concern for our children remain timeless, the way we express that care has evolved drastically. Despite having access to information, many parents still fall into the trap of unconscious buying, grabbing whatever baby product is trending or comes with the flashiest marketing, without reading the label or understanding what's inside. The choices we make, either shampoos, lotions or the laundry detergents or feeding bottles, all have a direct impact on your baby's health and growth. And that's why today's parents are waking up to a new approach of conscious parenting fueled by clean ingredients. The Shift Towards the Clean Ingredients in Baby Products This shift, the 'Clean Ingredients' is no longer just a trend but a new benchmark for safety and transparency. But what does 'clean' truly mean? At its core, clean means products made without any harmful ingredients like alcohol, artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates or dyes, all of which are known for irritating babies' sensitive skin. It's now more about products offering no misleading claims. This trend goes beyond baby skincare. Informed parents are rethinking all baby-related products. Here's what they are now paying attention to: Skincare: Baby lotions, body wash, shampoo, oils and creams that are unscented, pH-balanced and made with natural or plant-based ingredients. Baby lotions, body wash, shampoo, oils and creams that are unscented, pH-balanced and made with natural or plant-based ingredients. Hygiene: Buy cleansers and unscented wipes that are safe enough for everyday use. Buy cleansers and unscented wipes that are safe enough for everyday use. Diapering: Choosing biodegradable diapers that are gentle on baby skin. Choosing biodegradable diapers that are gentle on baby skin. Laundry: Use mild, allergen-free detergents having no dyes or artificial brighteners. Use mild, allergen-free detergents having no dyes or artificial brighteners. Feeding: Look for bottles and feeding cups that are BPA-free and safe for regular use. Numerous Indian brands are embracing this transparent skincare approach and parents are following. Among them, Mother Sparsh has emerged as a trusted name, offering a thoughtfully crafted range of baby care products that cater to parents seeking uncompromising safety, purity and authenticity. They reflect a deeper commitment to informed, wellness-focused parenting. Mother Sparsh Empowering Parents to Make Conscious Choices Why does all this matter? Because a baby's skin is about 30% thinner than an adult's, it is more vulnerable. The lotion after bath time? The detergent that lingers on clothes? All of these can make their way into your baby's system. That's why modern parenting is also about intentional buying, not impulse buying. It's about researching products, checking ingredients and refusing to trust a brand just because it's well-known or popular on social media. Here's how Mother Sparsh is helping parents make informed choices: Unscented: Their Simply Unscented baby skincare range (including lotion, shampoo, body wash and more) caters to baby sensitive skin. Having no added fragrances, it's enriched with natural oatmeal to help soothe and calm delicate skin. Their baby skincare range (including lotion, shampoo, body wash and more) caters to baby sensitive skin. Having no added fragrances, it's enriched with natural oatmeal to help soothe and calm delicate skin. Clinically Proven: Their 99% Pure Water Unscented Baby Wipes are as good as cotton and water to prevent diaper rash and gentle enough for daily use. Their are as good as cotton and water to prevent diaper rash and gentle enough for daily use. Tradition-Backed Natural Care: Their products are inspired by age-old remedies, carefully formulated with time-tested, natural ingredients to deliver effective, baby-safe results. Take, for instance, their Colic Relief Tummy Roll-On, made with hing, saunf, and pudina to soothe discomfort naturally, or the After Bite Turmeric Balm for mosquito & insect relief. In this category, where trust is everything, Mother Sparsh offers a clear choice for parents ready to move beyond marketing claims and into rational decision-making. How to Avoid Misleading Information In the baby care industry crowded with buzzwords, it's easy to be misled by terms like 'natural,' 'organic' or 'baby-safe.' These aren't always verified. Here's how to shop smart: Don't follow hype: Not every 'hero ingredient' is baby-safe. Not every 'hero ingredient' is baby-safe. Read beyond the tagline because the ingredient list reveals the true formulation. because the ingredient list reveals the true formulation. Products designed for adult skin concerns aren't suitable for babies. Rely upon the right claims. Use trusted resources to verify claims and ingredient safety. By doing your reading, you protect your baby from excessive irritants and avoid wasting money on products that don't add value. Role of Pediatrician Guidance Before adding a new skincare product into your baby's routine, if in doubt, always get advice from your paediatrician or any medical expert, especially if your child has allergies or skin disorders like eczema. Conclusion New-age parenting isn't just about perfection but also about awareness. Clean ingredients and conscious choices are no longer luxury concepts, they're essential steps in raising healthy, happy babies in a safer world. As a parent, you have the choice to be mindful in your purchase for your baby's wellbeing and your clean parenting journey. Explore Mother Sparsh range of unscented baby care essentials designed to support you in this journey. So stay informed. Ask questions. And choose what's best, not just what's popular. Because parenting today? It's not just about love. It's about intentional love. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
