Traveler was arrested for trying to carry the head of a wild animal in his luggage

The staff at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, in the capital of India, made a particular discovery inside a passenger’s luggage, which, carried wrapped in a cloth the skull of a crocodile
. Authorities called to not promote illegal animal trafficking.

According to a report from the Customs department, The arrest occurred on January 6, 2025, when Air Canada flight AC 051, which covered the New Delhi-Canada route, was preparing to take passengers to their destination.

(Also read: Man who sleeps with alligators seeks to ensure the well-being of hundreds of wild animals)

At a security checkpoint at Terminal 3 of the airport, a 32-year-old Canadian citizen was intercepted, whose identity was not revealed. After reviewing it, the skull of an animal was found. Seeing its sharp teeth, authorities thought it could be a baby crocodile.

Why were you arrested?

The animal’s skull weighed about 77 grams and was wrapped in a cream-colored cloth. The Department of Forests and Wildlife carried out a series of diagnostic tests that confirmed that a young crocodile.

A forest official identified as Rajesh Tandon told the Times of India that sThe man supposedly bought the skull in Thailand, and he did not have the required permits to transport it.

Although they reported that they required more scientific analysis by the Wildlife Institute of India to be certain of the species, the subject failed to comply with the country’s wildlife protection laws. The photo shared by Customs shows the animal’s head embalmed and with its jaw open.

(Also read: Dog was stalked by a crocodile on an Australian beach: did he manage to survive?)

The traveler was arrested under Section 104 of the Customs Act for illegal possession and attempt to export a protected wildlife article and offenses related to false declaration, illegal export and smuggling.

Likewise, the skull of the reptile was seized, which was made available to the Forest and Wildlife Department (Western Division, GNCTD) for laboratory tests.

“This case highlights a serious violation of wildlife laws. LCollaboration between customs and forestry departments is essential to ensure that these protected wildlife items are not smuggled“the agents emphasized.

(Read also: Incredible video of a large snake facing a crocodile: who won? )