Indian authorities took swift action by arresting a Canadian man at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after he attempted to smuggle a crocodile skull onto his flight. This incident underscores the vigilance of customs officials in protecting wildlife and enforcing laws against trafficking.

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Uncovering the Crocodile Skull Incident at New Delhi Airport

On January 6, during a routine security check at the airport, Delhi Customs officials detained the 32-year-old man, whose identity remains confidential, after discovering “a skull with sharp teeth” in his luggage, as reported by PEOPLE. This alarming find raised immediate concerns and led to further investigation, revealing the potential ramifications of possessing such an item.

Delhi Customs later shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the item appeared to be the jawbone of a baby crocodile. Following this, the Department of Forests and Wildlife conducted a thorough forensic examination, which confirmed that it indeed belonged to a baby crocodile, a species that is legally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The forensic analysis involved assessing the skull’s texture, tooth pattern, bony palate, and nostril shape, showcasing the meticulous work done by wildlife officials to ensure the protection of endangered species.

As a result of his actions, authorities arrested the man for illegally possessing the crocodile skull. He faced charges for attempting to export a protected wildlife item, thereby violating the Customs Act of 1962. The Department of Forests and Wildlife took custody of the skull for further laboratory testing, emphasizing their commitment to wildlife conservation and legal compliance.

“This case highlights a serious violation of wildlife and customs laws,” stated Delhi Customs. “Collaboration between Customs and Forest Departments is crucial to ensuring such protected wildlife items are not smuggled.”

Canadian Man Arrested at IGI Airport, New Delhi for carrying Crocodile Skull

Customs Department
IGI Airport, New Delhi
Date: 06.01.2025

Flight and Passenger Details:
•Flight Number: Air Canada (AC 051)
•Route: New Delhi to Canada
•Date of Departure: 06.01.2025… pic.twitter.com/qX4qX3nyqZ

— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) January 9, 2025

Investigating Wildlife Trafficking in India: The Future of the Crocodile Skull

In the wake of this incident, Delhi Customs has launched a comprehensive investigation to address the broader issue of wildlife trafficking in India. Atul Bagai, the former Head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in India, emphasized that this arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against wildlife crime in the region. He noted that India often grapples with wildlife trafficking, which makes this apprehension particularly noteworthy.

“India is among the top ten countries in terms of using the airline sector for wildlife trafficking. This is an unwanted accolade,” Bagai remarked, shedding light on the alarming trend of illicit wildlife trade that exploits air travel routes.

According to CNN, this incident is not an isolated case; it is part of a troubling pattern where individuals have attempted to smuggle animals or their parts through Indian airports. Between 2011 and 2020, authorities reported 141 wildlife seizure incidents involving 146 different animal species. Notably, reptiles were the most frequently seized, accounting for 46% of these incidents, which included various species such as crocodiles, lizards, snakes, and tortoises, revealing the urgent need for stricter enforcement measures.

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