Canadian detained in Delhi for smuggling crocodile skull
A 32-year-old Canadian was detained at Delhi airport for attempting to transport a crocodile skull. The animal belonged to a protected species, as confirmed by customs officials and experts from the Department of Forests and Wildlife.
The incident took place on Monday, 6th January, during a routine baggage check before a flight to Canada. Officers noticed a suspicious item wrapped in cream-coloured fabric. It turned out to be a fragment of a young crocodile's skull, weighing roughly 0.8 kilograms.
The traveller did not have the required documents
An expert evaluation by the Department of Forests and Wildlife revealed that the skull came from a species protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. The Canadian did not have the necessary permits to transport such items, which led to his detention.
Rajesh Tandon, a forestry officer, reported that the 32-year-old claimed he acquired the skull during his trip to Thailand. The man assured officials that he did not hunt the crocodile or cause its death. Further investigations are currently being conducted to determine the exact subspecies of the animal.
This is another incident involving Canadians
This is not the first such case at Delhi airport. Last year, another 32-year-old Canadian citizen was stopped with the horns of an unidentified animal. The woman explained that she found them during a hike in the Ladakh region and wanted to take them as a souvenir.
This situation again draws attention to the illegal transportation of wildlife-related items and the consequences of tourists' lack of awareness regarding international regulations on fauna and flora protection.
Source: BBC
