Customs Foil Hornbill Smuggling at Mumbai Airport

Four endangered hornbill birds were rescued from two passengers at Mumbai airport, hidden in luggage from Bangkok. These passengers, now arrested, attempted smuggling the exotic species. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau facilitated the deportation of the hornbills back to Bangkok, ensuring their protection.

In a significant bust, the Air Intelligence Unit of the Customs department intercepted an attempt to smuggle endangered hornbill birds into India at Mumbai Airport.

The operation led to the arrest of two passengers— a male and female— who arrived from Bangkok with the animals concealed in their luggage.

Following intervention by authorities, the hornbills, identified as the vulnerable Visayan and Sulawesi species, were deported back to Bangkok under the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau's oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)