45 exotic animals seized at Tiruchi airport - The HinduUpdated - October 27, 2026 07:16 pm IST - TIRUCHIAn exotic species of snake seized at Tiruchi International Airport on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTCustoms officials arrested two air passengers and seized 45 live exotic species at Tiruchi International Airport on Monday.The seized species comprised 23 corn snakes, 16 ball pythons, five black-and-white degus and a snow iguana.The passengers, a man and a woman, arrived at the airport from Bangkok via Colombo on a SriLankan Airlines flight on Monday. During an inspection, Customs officials scanned their travel bags and found the exotic animals concealed inside.The two passengers were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962 and the seized animals were handed over to the Forest Department for necessary action.District Forest Officer S. Krithiga said measures were under way to send the animals to Colombo, their place of origin.Published - October 27, 2026 07:13 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }