Man with crocodile skull in luggage arrested at Delhi airport

Man with crocodile skull in luggage arrested at Delhi airport

A Canadian man was arrested by Indian authorities at New Delhi airport after a crocodile skull was discovered in his luggage. The 32-year-old man, whose name was not released, was on his way to Canada. He was stopped at a security checkpoint at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Discovery of the crocodile skull

During the examination, a skull with sharp teeth resembling a baby crocodile was discovered. It weighed about 777 grams and was wrapped in a cream-colored cloth, like the Delhi Customs in one Explanation on X announced on Thursday.

Violations of the law and consequences

The skull belongs to a protected species in India under the country's Wildlife Protection Act. The customs authorities pointed out that the man had violated applicable law and customs law. The skull was handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for laboratory examination.

Fight against wildlife crime

"This case highlights a serious violation of wildlife protection laws and customs laws. Cooperation between customs authorities and forest departments is crucial to ensure that such protected wildlife items are not smuggled," Delhi Customs stressed.

Growing problem in air traffic

According to one Report from TRAFFIC, an NGO that monitors the wildlife trade, the problem of misuse of airports for wildlife smuggling is growing alongside the rapid growth of Indian air traffic. Between 2011 and 2020, a total of 141 wildlife seizure incidents were reported at Indian airports, affecting 146 animal species. Reptiles – including crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles – were the most commonly targeted group during this period, accounting for 46% of seizures.

India in focus of wildlife trade

“India is among the top 10 countries where air transport is used for wildlife trafficking,” Atul Bagai, then head of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in India, said after the report was released. “This is an unwanted award.” The Indian government has taken measures to combat wildlife trafficking under its Wildlife Protection Act and is a member of CITES, the highest international lawmaker on wildlife trafficking.

Similar incidents in the past

The Canadian traveler is not the first to try to transport animals or animal parts in hand luggage. Last year, the TSA found one four foot long live boa constrictor in a passenger's luggage at Tampa Airport in Florida (TPA), which led to a series of funny snake jokes on Instagram. "Our officials...didn't find this hysterical!" the agency said. “We really have no add-on to putting pets through an X-ray machine.”