Wed Mar 12 10:31:38 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Customs Seizes Eight Exotic Animals, Two Arrested
**CHENNAI, March 12, 2025** – Chennai Customs officials thwarted an attempt to smuggle eight exotic animals through Chennai airport on March 7th, arresting two individuals in the process. Three of the animals – a Sumatran White-bearded Palm Civet and two Eastern Grey Gibbons – were found dead upon inspection of the passengers’ luggage.
The two suspects, arriving on a Malaysian Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur, were intercepted following intelligence reports of wildlife smuggling. Customs officials discovered the animals concealed within their baggage. The surviving animals included a Silvery Lutung (Silvered Leaf Monkey), two Marbled Pole Cats, and two Eastern Grey Gibbons.
Authorities from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau identified the species and provided care for the rescued animals before their repatriation to their country of origin. Both suspects were arrested under the Customs Act and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigations are ongoing.
First Piper 