Siddarth Sethia
The Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) intercepted an international passenger carrying a wide variety of spider species allegedly smuggled inside his checked-in luggage from Bangkok on Monday night.
The passenger,identified as Yaashar Samiullah Sheriff Umera Banu,an Indian national, arrived at Terminal 2 of KIA from Bangkok on AirAsia flight,which landed at around 10.40 pm on September 14.
During baggage checks,Customs officials detected the concealed spiders inside the passenger’s checked-in luggage and detained him for questioning.
Officials are examining the species recovered and are investigating the source,nature and purpose of the consignment.
Initial probe revealed that the accused is mule for the international wildlife smuggling ring and paid for the job with to and from expenses,the officials said that the accused is supposed to handover the consignment to a person waiting for her outside airport. Further investigation is underway.
