Bhubaneswar: Several exotic species, including king snakes, monitor lizards and chameleons, were seized by customs officials at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
Sources said the seized animals were allegedly being smuggled from Bangkok in Thailand to Chennai via Bhubaneswar. One person has been detained in this connection.
The seizure was made after the customs officials searched the luggage that contained the species.
The custom officials reportedly rescued nine king snakes, ten chameleons, 12 tortoises and monitor lizards and detained a youth from Chennai for questioning.
The accused person carried the luggage containing exotic species for sale. The baggage was seized after he reached the BPIA at Bhubaneswar. Further investigation is in progress.
