DRI seizes over 660 exotic wildlife species in Mumbai

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in a recently accomplished mission, held importers who were smuggling exotic species from South Africa as a part of the import consignment. Information regarding the same was received by the officials, basis which a plan was made to bust the crime and upon reaching the Air Cargo complex, officials found over 660 animals which included pythons and turtles being imported in what is believed to be one of the biggest seizures of rare and exotic wildlife species reported in Mumbai. 

Official information regarding the same was given by the department on Saturday and the investigation was carried out by the DRI team on Thursday, October 6, 2022. 

Inputs related to the consignment were obtained by the team and action upon the nuances the team reached the location to identify the import consignment which contained rare and exotic species which as per laws are prohibited for import and are also listed under the appendices in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. After thorough investigation, the officials from the DRI intercepted the transporters.

A press note shared by the department also said that the animals were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act — the Foreign Trade Development (Regulation) Act, as they were being brought from a foreign land. Two members – one importer and a customer - are said to be involved in the case and as per reports both have been arrested by the officials. Further investigation is underway. 

Meanwhile, the DRI, in another mission also seized INR 502 crore worth cocaine which was being imported from South Africa in a container with apples and pears. Upon receiving the information, the Mumbai Zonal Unit was intercepted at Nhava Sheva port, and post the investigation, high-quality cocaine, moulded in the form of 50 bricks, weighing a total of 50.23 kg were recovered by the team.
Basis the investigation, one importer was identified and has been arrested in what is reported to be one of the largest seizures of cocaine smuggled through sea containers.