Man arrested for trying to smuggle crocodile skulls at the airport
Indian authorities have arrested a Canadian man at New Delhi airport after he tried to bring a crocodile skull onto his flight.
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Details about the crocodile skull discovered at an Indian airport
Delhi Customs stopped the 32-year-old man while going through security at Indira Gandhi International Airport before his flight to Canada on January 6. Authorities initially found the man, identity has not been revealed, carrying “a skull with sharp teeth,” per EVERYBODY.
In a post above X (formerly Twitter, Delhi Customs shared that the item resembles the jaw of a baby crocodile. CNN The Department of Forestry and Wildlife reportedly conducted a forensic examination of the skull and confirmed it was a baby alligator. The animal is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The organization determined this by examining the structure of its skull, tooth pattern, palate and nostril shape.
Afterwards, authorities arrested the man for illegal possession of the skull. Additionally, attempting to export an item of protected wildlife violates the Customs Act 1962. Furthermore, the Department of Forestry and Wildlife took possession of the crocodile head for laboratory testing. experiment.
“This incident highlights serious violations of customs and wildlife laws,” Delhi Customs wrote. “Collaboration between Customs and the Forest Service is vital to ensure 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: June 1, 2025Flight and passenger details:
•Flight number: Air Canada (AC 051)
•Route: New Delhi to Canada
•Departure date: June 1, 2025… pic.twitter.com/qX4qX3nyqZ— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) January 9, 2025
What’s next for the crocodile skull and more about wildlife trafficking in India
Delhi Customs has initiated a further investigation into the incident. Atul Bagai, former Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in India, told CNN that India frequently faces wildlife trafficking, making the man’s arrest successful. significant.
“India is among the top 10 countries using the aviation sector for wildlife trade. This is an unwanted compliment,” Bagai explained.
CNN shares that this is not the first time someone has tried to smuggle animals or animal parts through airports in India. From 2011 to 2020, airports saw 141 wildlife seizures, involving 146 different animals. Reptiles were among the most commonly found species, accounting for 46% of seizures, including crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles.
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