A man is arrested for trying to bring a crocodile skull into an airport

Indian authorities have arrested a Canadian man at New Delhi airport after he tried to bring a crocodile skull onto a flight.

Details of a crocodile skull discovered at an Indian airport

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

In the message about X (earlier on Twitter, Delhi Customs said the item 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 of 1972. The organization determined this by examining the crocodile's skull structure, tooth pattern, bony palate and the shape of its nostrils.

Authorities then arrested the man for illegal possession of the skull. Furthermore, attempting to export a protected wildlife article and contravening the Customs Act 1962. In addition, the Department of Forests and Wildlife took possession of the crocodile's head for laboratory testing.

“This case shows serious violation of wildlife and customs laws,” Delhi Customs wrote. “Cooperation between customs and forest departments is very important to ensure that such protected wildlife items are not smuggled.”

🚨 A Canadian man was arrested at the IGI airport in New Delhi for wearing a crocodile skull 🐊

Customs Department
IGI Airport, New Delhi
Date: 06.01.2025

Flight and passenger information:
• 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, the former head of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in India, told CNN that India often faces wildlife smuggling, so the capture of the man was a remarkable feat.

“India is among ten countries that use the airline sector for wildlife trafficking. This is an unsolicited recognition,” 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, 141 wildlife seizure incidents involving 146 different animal species were observed at airports. Reptiles were among the most common, accounting for 46% of seizures, including crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles.

What do you think, rooms?

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