DRI busts wildlife smuggling racket at Trichy Airport; 45 live reptiles recovered; 2 arrested

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), alongside the Air Intelligence Unit at Trichy, intercepted a wildlife smuggling attempt at Trichy International Airport. Acting on intelligence, officials searched two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok via Colombo on October 26, 2026. The operation led to the recovery of 45 live, sedated reptiles concealed inside 27 food packets within the passengers' baggage. The seized species included 23 Corn Snakes, 16 Ball Pythons, 5 Argentine Black and White Tegus, and 1 Snow White Iguana. Both passengers were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the wildlife was handed over to Customs authorities for further action.