Canadian Traveler Arrested for Smuggling Crocodile Skull at Delhi Airport

Incident at Delhi Airport

A Canadian national was apprehended at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after authorities discovered a crocodile skull in his luggage. The 32-year-old man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was en route to Canada when security personnel found the skull during a routine check. The skull, weighing approximately 777 grams, was wrapped in a cream-colored cloth and resembled the jaw of a baby crocodile.

Legal Implications and Wildlife Protection

The discovery of the crocodile skull has significant legal implications, as it belongs to a species protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act. The man was found to be in violation of both this act and the Customs Act. The skull has since been handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for further examination. Delhi Customs emphasized the importance of collaboration between Customs and Forest Departments to prevent the smuggling of protected wildlife items.

Wildlife Trafficking Concerns

This incident is not isolated. A 2022 report by TRAFFIC, an organization monitoring wildlife trade, highlighted the increasing misuse of Indian airports for wildlife smuggling. Between 2011 and 2020, there were 141 reported incidents of wildlife seizures at Indian airports, involving 146 different species. Reptiles, including crocodiles, lizards, snakes, and tortoises, accounted for 46% of these seizures. Atul Bagai, former Head of the United Nations Environment Programme in India, noted that India ranks among the top ten countries for wildlife trafficking via airlines, an unwanted distinction.

Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

The Indian government is actively working to combat wildlife trafficking through stringent enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act and its participation in CITES, the leading international body governing wildlife trade. Despite these efforts, incidents like the one involving the Canadian traveler continue to occur. In a similar case last year, a live boa constrictor was found in a passenger’s bag at Tampa Airport in Florida, highlighting the global nature of this issue.