Visakhapatnam: In a major crackdown on wildlife smuggling, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized six live Eastern Blue Tongue Lizards, an exotic species, at Visakhapatnam Airport. The lizards, concealed in cake boxes, were discovered in the baggage of two passengers arriving from Thailand.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted the passengers on November 24 and conducted a thorough inspection of their luggage. To their surprise, the exotic lizards, scientifically known as Tiliqua Scincoides, were found hidden in the bags. These blue-tongued skinks, native to Australia, are highly sought after in the illegal wildlife trade.
Local snake catcher Rokkam Kiran Kumar was called to safely handle the reptiles. Following certification by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), the lizards were repatriated to Thailand.
The smugglers, detained under the Customs Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Wildlife trafficking poses a serious threat to biodiversity, and authorities have been stepping up measures to curb such illegal activities. This operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in protecting endangered and exotic species from exploitation.
