Drugs and Exotic Wildlife Seized in Twin Smuggling Busts at Hyderabad Airport

Quick summary:

• Incident Details: customs officials at Rajiv Gandhi international Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, intercepted two major smuggling attempts on September 8, 2025.
• Case 1 (Narcotics): 13.9 kg of suspected hydroponic weed was seized from a passenger arriving from Bangkok, valued at ₹13.9 crore in the illicit market; the individual was taken into custody.
• Case 2 (Wildlife Smuggling): Two passengers traveling from Bangkok were found carrying exotic wildlife species in their luggage:

– Four Green-keeled Lizards
– Ten Girdled Lizards
– Two monitor Lizards
These animals are protected under wildlife protection laws and were deported to Bangkok following international protocols. The individuals involved were arrested and investigations are ongoing.

Indian opinion Analysis:

The dual interceptions highlight pressing concerns for India in battling organized smuggling networks connected to narcotics and illegal wildlife trafficking. The seizure of hydroponic weed worth ₹13.9 crore points to complex drug trafficking methods targeting urban centers with high-demand illegal substances. Concurrently, the attempted smuggling of protected reptile species underlines continued efforts by traffickers to exploit India as both a transit point and end destination for illegal trade in endangered fauna.

India has long-standing commitments towards biodiversity preservation and combating illegal trade through frameworks like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Proactive vigilance by customs authorities not only protects local ecosystems but also strengthens India’s reputation as compliant with global conservation agreements.

These incidents emphasize the need for sustained investment into technological upgrades at entry points across airports alongside cooperative actions with international enforcement agencies to curb transnational criminal activities effectively.

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