Customs officials at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) thwarted a wildlife smuggling attempt on Wednesday, arresting a passenger arriving from Bangkok after two endangered red-shanked douc monkeys were found concealed in his check-in baggage.The primates, classified as an endangered species and protected under international wildlife laws, were rescued and handed over to animal welfare authorities for care.The officials said the passenger who arrived on flight TG-325 attempted to smuggle the rare animals into the country by hiding them inside his luggage.The Customs authorities said that the passenger has been arrested under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act and Customs Act. Further investigations are under way.Series of major seizures in NovemberThe Customs Department said that significant seizures were made between November 18 and 30, by the officials at the KIA and the Air Cargo Complex. During this two-week period, the Customs seized 19.65 lakh cigarettes, 4,830 e-cigarettes, 69.67 kg of ganja, and 115 electronic items. They also seized a major wildlife consignment containing 280 tarantulas and 2,809 endangered fish.Published - December 11, 2025 07:32 pm IST