Amritsar Airport Customs Makes Unusual Discovery: Rare Taxidermy Trophies Seized
In a startling incident at Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar, Customs officials encountered an unusual sight among the standard luggage on the conveyor belt. A peculiarly shaped, lumpy baggage stood out conspicuously next to the conventional trolley bags and suitcases, immediately raising eyebrows among the vigilant officers.
Suspicious Baggage Leads to Major Wildlife Seizure
When the suspicious baggage was put through the scanner, the Customs team could hardly believe what they were seeing. The X-ray images revealed the distinct forms of a walrus head and a peacock, complete with its magnificent tail, preserved through taxidermy. The passenger associated with this baggage, identified as Mohammad Abrar from Kayasth Buddha near Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, was promptly taken into custody.
According to an official post on X by the Customs department, Abrar had arrived at the Amritsar airport from Bangkok on Air Asia Flight SL-214 around 2:45 PM on January 19. He attempted to use the green channel to exit the airport, which is typically reserved for passengers with nothing to declare. However, his unusual baggage and behavior triggered suspicion, leading officials to intercept him for further inspection.
Investigation Unveils Alleged Smuggling Attempt
Upon thorough examination, the Customs officials discovered not only the taxidermy trophies but also some additional artefacts within the luggage. During questioning, Abrar reportedly claimed that the trophies were artificial and that he had purchased them for approximately ₹2.9 lakh, intending them for personal display purposes. However, authorities remained skeptical of his explanation.
To verify the authenticity of the items, the Customs team immediately called in experts from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. After a preliminary examination, the wildlife authorities confirmed that the trophies were indeed genuine taxidermy specimens, making this a significant seizure under wildlife protection laws.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
Mohammad Abrar was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which strictly prohibits the trade and smuggling of protected species. He was produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Customs officials have described this seizure as a one-of-a-kind case, highlighting its rarity and importance.
Investigators suspect that Abrar was attempting to smuggle these exotic trophies into the country, where they could fetch a premium price on the black market. In a move to deepen the investigation, authorities have seized his mobile phone for forensic examination. They believe that analyzing the device could help trace potential links to an international wildlife smuggling network and identify buyers involved in such illicit activities.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in combating wildlife trafficking and the crucial role of airport security and Customs vigilance in preventing such crimes. The case continues to be investigated, with authorities determined to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation.
