Authorities arrested a man at an airport in India after he was caught trying to take the skull of a baby crocodile on his flight.
Delhi Customs said in a statement to X that the 32-year-old man was “intercepted” at the security check at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) before a flight from New Delhi to Canada on Monday, January 6. .
Authorities initially discovered that the man, whose identity has not been released, was carrying a “skull with sharp teeth … wrapped in a cream-colored cloth.” They stated that it resembled “the jaws of a baby crocodile” and weighed close to 2 lbs.
The skull was later taken for forensic examination to the Forest and Wildlife Department (GNCTD), which confirmed that it was indeed a baby crocodile — an animal protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (WLPA).
The organization came to the conclusion based on “texture, tooth pattern, well-developed bony palate” and the shape of her “nostrils”.
Disney star removed Snake from commercial flight — who got a free drink for his service!
The man was subsequently arrested for illegal possession, attempted export of “protected wildlife items” and violation of the Customs Act 1962, which prohibits false declaration, illegal export and smuggling of such items, Delhi Customs said.
“This case indicates a serious violation of wildlife and customs laws,” Delhi Customs wrote. “Collaboration between customs and the forestry department is essential to ensure that such protected wildlife items are not smuggled.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The crocodile skull was later handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife “for laboratory testing. “Further investigation” into the incident has also been opened, Delhi Customs added.
United Airlines passengers ‘started screaming’ after a garden snake was found in the plane’s cabin
“India is among the top ten countries in terms of the use of the aviation sector for wildlife trade,” Atul Bagai, former head of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in India, told CNN. “This is an unsolicited confession.”
Incidents such as these have prompted India, as well as other countries such as Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, to crack down on wildlife trafficking by working together to share information on the crime in recent years. Hindu reported.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education