Canadian Man Detained at Delhi Airport for Smuggling Baby Crocodile Skull

A 32-year-old Canadian man was arrested at Delhi airport for allegedly carrying the skull of a baby crocodile in his luggage. The item violated wildlife protection laws, leading to ongoing investigations by customs and forest officials.

In a significant wildlife protection enforcement incident, Indian authorities apprehended a 32-year-old Canadian man at Delhi airport for attempting to smuggle a crocodile skull in his luggage. The man was set to board a flight to Canada when he was stopped during a security check on Monday. According to the Delhi Customs, officials discovered a skull resembling that of a baby crocodile, weighing around 777 grams (1.71 lbs), wrapped in a cream-colored cloth.

Upon inspection, customs officials recognized the item as a violation of India's wildlife protection legislation and the Customs Act. A subsequent analysis performed by the Department of Forests and Wildlife confirmed the skull belonged to a protected species under Indian law. The forest department cited specific characteristics, such as texture and dental formation, as evidence linking the skull to that of a baby crocodile.

Authorities have indicated that the man claimed to have acquired the skull during a visit to Thailand. However, he lacked the necessary permits for transporting wildlife items out of India, a requirement under the country's laws. He also stated that he did not personally hunt or kill the crocodile, according to reports from the Hindustan Times.

Further tests are underway to determine the exact species of the crocodile, with the case now officially registered against the individual. The incident shines a light on the ongoing struggle against wildlife trafficking, following a similar case last year where another Canadian national was detained for carrying unidentified animal horns.

Wildlife trafficking remains a pressing issue in India, prompting authorities to intensify monitoring at airports. As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of adhering to wildlife protection laws and the ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.