Authorities confirmed that the item is a baby crocodile skull and violated multiple wildlife protection laws.
Canadian Man Detained at Delhi Airport with Crocodile Skull
Canadian Man Detained at Delhi Airport with Crocodile Skull
A Canadian traveler has been arrested at Delhi airport after attempting to transport a crocodile skull.
The article text:
A Canadian man was arrested at Delhi airport after customs officials discovered a crocodile skull in his luggage. The 32-year-old was preparing to board a flight to Canada when security personnel conducted a routine check and found the skull wrapped in a cream-colored cloth. Weighing around 777 grams (1.71 pounds), the skull displayed sharp teeth and was identified as a baby crocodile's by the Department of Forests and Wildlife.
The Customs Department stated that the possession of such wildlife items contravenes India's wildlife protection laws and Customs Act. Further analysis confirmed that this skull belonged to a species that is safeguarded under India's Wildlife Protection Act. Officials emphasized the unique characteristics of the skull, including its texture, tooth pattern, and bony palate, which validated its classification.
According to reports, the man allegedly purchased the skull while in Thailand and did not possess the necessary permits for carrying wildlife products. He maintained that he did not hunt or kill the crocodile himself. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the specific sub-species of the crocodile from which the skull originated.
This incident follows a previous case where another Canadian citizen was apprehended at the same airport for smuggling animal horns. Such cases highlight the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking, especially at major international travel hubs like Delhi.
A Canadian man was arrested at Delhi airport after customs officials discovered a crocodile skull in his luggage. The 32-year-old was preparing to board a flight to Canada when security personnel conducted a routine check and found the skull wrapped in a cream-colored cloth. Weighing around 777 grams (1.71 pounds), the skull displayed sharp teeth and was identified as a baby crocodile's by the Department of Forests and Wildlife.
The Customs Department stated that the possession of such wildlife items contravenes India's wildlife protection laws and Customs Act. Further analysis confirmed that this skull belonged to a species that is safeguarded under India's Wildlife Protection Act. Officials emphasized the unique characteristics of the skull, including its texture, tooth pattern, and bony palate, which validated its classification.
According to reports, the man allegedly purchased the skull while in Thailand and did not possess the necessary permits for carrying wildlife products. He maintained that he did not hunt or kill the crocodile himself. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the specific sub-species of the crocodile from which the skull originated.
This incident follows a previous case where another Canadian citizen was apprehended at the same airport for smuggling animal horns. Such cases highlight the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking, especially at major international travel hubs like Delhi.
