Rescued exotic birds, squirrels ‘deported' to Thailand

Time of India

2 days ago

SLUG: ONE ARRESTED
Ahmedabad: The customs department on Friday 'deported' two Pallas's squirrels, six Coxen's fig parrots, and one red-billed leiothrix to Thailand. The wildlife was rescued after a major bust by the customs officials at Ahmedabad airport on July 30.
The exotic wildlife — including two Pallas's squirrels, six Coxen's fig parrots, and one red-billed leiothrix — from the check-in baggage of a passenger arriving from Thailand. The seizure took place on July 30, after officials grew suspicious of the passenger's luggage.
The birds and animals had been crammed into chocolate and snack boxes inside the luggage. Upon inspection, customs officers discovered the trafficked wildlife and rescued them.
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Among the seized species, the Coxen's fig parrot is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Customs officials stated that the wildlife had been brought into India without mandatory licenses or prior permission from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in clear violation of Indian wildlife import regulations.
"Following the seizure, forest officials were brought in for species identification and to ensure immediate care for the rescued animals," said a source involved in the operation.
The birds were transferred from the packaging into a larger cage and given food based on expert advice. The Animal Quarantine and Certification Service of the govt of India, based in Mumbai, subsequently issued deportation orders for the animals and birds.
The rescued birds and squirrels were sent back to Thailand via Thai Airways, and the accused passenger was produced in court and remanded to Sabarmati Central Jail.
"Thai Airlines has been directed to ensure strict compliance and report the completion of deportation to Indian authorities," officials said.
Sources added that exotic animals are often smuggled into India for high-profit sales. "These creatures are usually brought in pairs and sold in metro cities, sometimes fetching over Rs 50,000. However, this trade is illegal and harmful — many of these animals cannot survive outside their native climate zones and frequently die shortly after arrival," the source added.