Two men arrived at Mumbai airport from Bangkok on June 26, 2025. They were traveling on an Air India flight and reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. These two men were carrying some bags with them. At first, they looked like normal passengers. But soon, the airport officers noticed something strange. The officers from the Air Intelligence Unit were watching people carefully. When they saw the luggage of these men, they got suspicious. The officers thought that something illegal might be hidden inside the bags. They decided to stop them and check their bags properly without delay.
The officers took both men to a separate area for checking. They opened their bags carefully and were shocked by what they saw inside. The bags were full of small cages and boxes. Inside those cages and boxes, there were many animals hidden. These animals were not common pets like dogs or cats. They were very special animals that are not found easily. Some of these animals are even endangered, which means there are very few left in the world. Smuggling these animals is a serious crime, and the officers knew this.
Inside the luggage, the officers found two Sumatran striped rabbits. These rabbits are very rare and are usually found only in some parts of Indonesia. They have special stripes on their body, which makes them different from normal rabbits. They are protected animals, and people cannot buy or sell them without proper permission. The two men had hidden these rabbits without caring about their safety. These poor rabbits were kept in small cages without food or water, which made the officers very upset.
The officers also found one Waigeo spotted cuscus. This is a very rare animal that looks like a small bear or a possum. It comes from a place called Waigeo Island in Indonesia. This animal has beautiful spotted fur, and it lives in trees. The Waigeo spotted cuscus is a protected animal under international laws. People are not allowed to take them from their homes and sell them in other countries. The officers were surprised to see this animal being smuggled in such poor condition by the two men.
Apart from these animals, the officers also found three brown basilisk lizards inside the bags. One of these lizards was unfortunately found dead, which made the officers very sad. Basilisk lizards are known for their ability to run on water, and they are called “Jesus lizards” by some people. These lizards are also protected species, and they cannot be taken from their natural homes without legal permission. The dead lizard showed how badly these animals were treated by the smugglers.
The most shocking thing the officers found was the large number of green iguanas hidden inside the bags. There were 115 green iguanas stuffed inside small cages and boxes. These green iguanas are large lizards that are found mostly in Central and South America. They are beautiful creatures with bright green skin. But they need proper care, food, and a safe environment to live. The two men had kept them in terrible conditions, which was dangerous for the health of these animals. Many of them looked weak and scared.
The officers immediately arrested the two men for trying to smuggle these endangered animals into India. They were taken to the police station for questioning. The men could not explain why they were carrying so many rare animals illegally. The officers informed the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Animal Quarantine Department, and other concerned agencies about the case. These agencies are responsible for protecting animals and stopping illegal activities like this. They reached the airport and started checking the health of the animals.
The officers also informed the local NGO that works to save animals in Mumbai. The NGO workers came quickly to help the animals. They gave food, water, and medicine to the animals. Some animals were weak, sick, and scared. The NGO members took great care of them. They made sure the animals were safe and comfortable. After medical checks, the officers decided to send the animals back to their home country, Thailand. This is because keeping these animals in India without permission is illegal. Sending them back was the right thing to do.
The Sumatran striped rabbits, Waigeo spotted cuscus, green iguanas, and basilisk lizards were all packed carefully in proper containers. The officers, along with the Animal Quarantine Department, arranged for the animals to be sent safely back to Thailand. This process took time, but the safety of the animals was most important. The officers ensured that the animals received food, water, and proper air during the journey. They did not want the animals to suffer anymore after going through such a bad experience with the smugglers.
The two men were charged under the Customs Act, 1962, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These laws make it illegal to smuggle animals, especially endangered species, into India without permission. The officers explained that smuggling exotic animals is not only a crime but also harmful to the animals. Many animals die during smuggling because they are kept in small, dirty cages without food, water, or air. The officers also said that people should never buy or sell such animals illegally because it supports animal cruelty and crime.
The officers praised the work of the Air Intelligence Unit and the customs officials at the Mumbai airport. They said their sharp observation and quick action saved many animal lives. The officers also thanked the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and the Animal Quarantine Department for their help. Together, they made sure the animals were treated well and sent back to their home safely. The officials promised that they would continue working hard to stop such crimes in the future. They want to protect all animals and stop illegal wildlife trade.
The officers believe there is a bigger network behind this case. They think the two men were not working alone. There might be other people or groups who are involved in smuggling animals from Bangkok to Mumbai. The officers have started an investigation to find out who else is part of this illegal activity. They want to catch the big smugglers who plan and arrange these crimes. Catching the small carriers is important, but breaking the whole network is the only way to stop such illegal animal trade completely.
Animal smuggling is a serious problem in many countries, including India. Smugglers try to bring rare animals like reptiles, birds, and mammals into India for selling them to rich people who want exotic pets. But this is illegal and dangerous for both animals and humans. The animals suffer during transportation, and sometimes they carry diseases that can spread to humans. The officers warned people not to buy exotic animals from illegal markets. They said people should only adopt pets from legal sources and avoid supporting animal cruelty.
The rescued animals, including the green iguanas, striped rabbits, cuscus, and basilisk lizards, are now safe. They are under the care of experts, and their health is improving. These animals will soon return to their natural homes where they belong. Wildlife experts hope they will live happily and freely in their forests. The authorities will continue their investigation to find the main smugglers and punish them. The officers also plan to increase security checks at airports to stop such crimes. They are determined to protect wildlife at all costs.
The case has reminded everyone how important it is to protect endangered animals. These rare animals are part of our world, and we must take care of them. Smuggling them for money is a heartless crime that must stop. The officers, animal lovers, and environmental groups are working together to create awareness. They want people to understand the importance of saving wildlife. Everyone must play a role in protecting animals. If you see someone trying to smuggle animals, you must report them to the authorities without fear.
The Mumbai airport officers are now more alert than ever. They are checking all passengers carefully, especially those coming from countries known for wildlife trade. They are using modern machines, scanners, and trained dogs to find hidden animals or illegal goods. The officers say they will never tolerate such crimes. They want Mumbai to be a safe place for all, including animals. The people of Mumbai have praised the officers for their hard work and quick action. They hope such strong steps will stop wildlife smuggling forever.
This case has made people talk about the need for stronger laws and better protection for animals. Some people are asking for higher punishment for those who smuggle animals. They believe strict action is the only way to stop this cruel business. Many animal lovers are sharing messages on social media to support wildlife protection. Schools and colleges are also teaching children about the importance of saving animals. Everyone agrees that wildlife belongs in the wild, not in cages or bags carried by smugglers.
In the end, the successful rescue of the animals at Mumbai airport is a big win for animal protection. It shows that with teamwork, awareness, and strict action, we can save animals from cruel smugglers. The officers have set an example by working hard and caring for helpless animals. The rescued animals will soon return to their homes where they can live freely. The people hope this incident will stop others from trying to smuggle animals. Everyone must respect and protect animals for a better, kinder world.