Chennai, November 1 (Udaipur Kiran). Customs officials at Chennai Airport have busted a wildlife smuggling attempt and detained three suspects, including an Indian passenger who arrived from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, carrying ten rare Bali Mynas.

The passenger, who flew on IndiGo flight 6E-1032, was found with ten Bali Mynas (Leucopsar rothschildi) hidden inside perforated plastic bags concealed in his trolley bag. The Bali Myna is a critically endangered species listed under international conservation norms.

Officials stated that importing such wildlife without valid permits is strictly prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Customs Act, 1962, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Acting on directions from the Animal Quarantine Officer, all the rescued birds were safely sent back to Kuala Lumpur.

The Customs Department has detained the main passenger along with two accomplices for questioning. All three have been booked under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Customs Act. Officials described the operation as a significant step in curbing international wildlife trafficking networks.

Last month, at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Customs officers had carried out a series of successful seizures between September 12 and 15, 2025, uncovering multiple cases involving drugs, foreign currency, and wildlife smuggling. In one such case, 7.118 kg of hydroponic weed worth ₹7 crore was seized from a passenger arriving from Tashkent. In other instances, officials recovered foreign currency worth ₹15.96 lakh and over 36 kg of hydroponic weed from two Bangkok-bound passengers, valued at over ₹36 crore.

In total, the four-day operation in Mumbai led to the seizure of contraband worth ₹49.16 crore, dealing a major blow to international smuggling syndicates.