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Bird Smuggler Foiled at Airport

 

NEW DELHI (Reuters, May 15, 2001) - Officials at New Delhi's international airport seized more than 1,200 rare birds from a passenger preparing to fly to Sharjah, customs authorities said Monday.

 

India's wildlife protection laws ban the export of the birds -- 1,200 Red Munias and 33 Alexandrine parakeets -- which had been concealed in the passenger's luggage, the commissioner of customs said in a statement.

 

The birds, seized late Sunday, have been sent to the Delhi zoo to be cared for.

 

India is believed to be a conduit for international trafficking in wildlife, and the trade is estimated to run to $25 billion annually, the statement added.

 

 

Wow! How can you conceal 1,233 birds in your luggage??!!