Move over Samuel L. Jackson, a real-life situation of “Snakes on a Plane” happened in India over the weekend. On April 30, in Chennai, India Customs discovered 22 various snake species in a woman’s luggage. She secured the reptiles in plastic totes and ranged in size.
Snakes on a Plane
The woman had attempted to smuggle the snakes in from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She had been on flight number AK13, according to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) tweet. Additionally, they also discovered a chameleon.
In 1972, the Parliament of India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act to protect animal and plant species. The snakes, and the chameleon, the woman attempted to smuggle are some of the protected species.
Wildlife Protection Act
The Wildlife Protection Act’s primary goal is to curb the illegal trade in wildlife and its derivative parts. Additionally, the Act also protects amphibians, mammals, and birds. This includes their young and eggs.
The CBIC released footage of the various snakes found, including what kind of containers they were in. People are questioning why the CBIC did not find the snakes in Kuala Lumpur. Others shared their appreciation to the Customs officers who made the discovery.
Catching a Smuggler
In a statement on May 3, Chennai Customs Department stated:
Scanning and image monitoring are conducted by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) auxiliary police (Polis Bantuan) on duty and the results [are] forwarded to the relevant authorities.
Moreover, the woman’s luggage was labeled “for check-in. The bag was received by the airlines and (then) fell under the jurisdiction of MAHB auxiliary police.”
Furthermore, to ensure the safety of flights, airplanes, and airports, baggage screening is conducted. Security personnel mainly concentrate on threatening contraband such as knives, firearms, ammunition, explosives, and similar items.
Moreover, anytime a passenger goes “through a Customs check, their carry-on baggage is inspected by our officers.”
Indian Customs officials have proved once again they are true guardians of wildlife. The last time they stopped someone from smuggling wildlife was in January. At that time, they confiscated 45 ball pythons, three marmosets, three-star tortoises, and eight corn snakes.
Indian Customs : Guardians of wildlife!@ChennaiCustoms intercepted a female pax arriving from Kuala Lumpur by Flight No.AK13. On examination of check-in baggage, 22 Snakes of various species & a Chameleon were found; seized under CA, 1962 r/w Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. pic.twitter.com/5Xfu8OK217
— CBIC (@cbic_india) April 30, 2023
by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Fox News: Customs officials discover 22 snakes in airline passenger’s baggage
The Star: Snakes on a plane: Reptiles were in checked baggage, says Customs
Animal Legal & Historical Center: Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Sander van der Wel‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mike Prince‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
