A man faces arrest for trying to smuggle a crocodile skull at the airport

Indian authorities have arrested a Canadian man at New Delhi airport after he tried to smuggle a crocodile skull with him.

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Details of a crocodile skull found at an airport in India

Delhi Customs stopped the 32-year-old man during security check-in at the Indira Gandhi International Airport before his flight to Canada on January 6. Authorities initially found the man, whose identity has not been released, with a “skull with sharp teeth,” trans PEOPLE.

In the post on X (Earlier on Twitter, Delhi Customs shared that the object resembled the jaw of a baby crocodile. CNN reports that the Department of Forests and Wildlife conducted a forensic examination of the skull and confirmed that it was a baby crocodile. The animal is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The organization determined this by examining the texture of the crocodile’s skull, the pattern of its teeth, its bony palate and the shape of its nostrils.

Authorities later arrested the man for illegal possession of the skull. In addition to attempting to export a protected wildlife site and breaching the Customs Act 1962. In addition, the Department of Forests and Wildlife has taken possession of the head of the crocodile for laboratory research.

“This case shows a serious violation of wildlife laws and customs laws,” Delhi Customs wrote. “Collaboration between the Customs and Forest Departments is critical to ensure that such protected wildlife items are not smuggled.”

🚨 Canadian arrested at IGI Airport, New Delhi for carrying crocodile skull 🐊

Customs department
IGI Airport, New Delhi
Date: 06.01.2025

Detailed information about flights and passengers:
• Flight number: Air Canada (AC 051)
• Route: New Delhi to Canada
•Date of departure: 06.01.2025… pic.twitter.com/qX4qX3nyqZ

— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) January 9, 2025

What’s next for the crocodile skull and more information on the wildlife trade in India

Delhi Customs has started further investigation into the incident. Atul Bagai, former head of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in India, told CNN that India often faces wildlife trafficking, which makes human trapping a significant success.

“India is in the top ten countries for using airlines for wildlife trade. It’s an unwanted reward.” As explained.

CNN shares that this is not the first time someone has tried to smuggle animals or animal parts through Indian airports. Between 2011 and 2020, there were 141 cases of wildlife seizures involving 146 different animal species at airports. Reptiles were among the most common, accounting for 46% of seizures, including crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles.

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