Customs and DRI officials at Mumbai International Airport intercepted passengers arriving from Indonesia last night and found live birds of paradise hidden in their luggage. The birds, being smuggled illegally, are now receiving care, and efforts are underway to return them to their native habitat. ADVERTISEMENT Pawan Sharma, honorary wildlife warden of Thane and president of the NGO RAWW, said, “On Wednesday night, the DRI and Customs intercepted passengers flying from Indonesia to India and discovered live birds of paradise in their baggage, which were being smuggled illegally.
” Sharma also informed mid-day that the birds are currently being stabilised, and the process of deporting them has been initiated. He added, “This is the fourth case in the last three months where attempts to traffic exotic wildlife have been thwarted in coordination with the WCCB.” On July 2, based on specific intelligence, the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III seized seven birds (one north island saddleback, two magnificent riflebirds, and four lesser birds of paradise) found concealed in the baggage of the passenger.
The passenger was arrested and remanded to judicial custody. An AIU source said, “The birds were being smuggled on a flight from Indonesia to India, hidden in the bags of several individuals. We have apprehended those involved.
Arrangements are being made to deport the birds back to their country of origin.” The source added, “At this stage, we cannot disc.