Customs officials arrest Afghan national for violation of Wildlife Protection Act

Customs Department officials on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of an Afghan national in the Terminal Three (T-3) complex of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) for carrying items that were in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

In a statement issued here, Sanjay Mangal, Commissioner of Customs, said that the Afghan national was travelling by Flight 4Q 243 from Kabul to Delhi, and was intercepted as he was passing through the Green Channel.

On searching his personal belongings, Customs officials said they retreived 114 kilograms worth of organ pipes and coral species that they were taken into their custody under the Customes Act read with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as they were prohibited.

Thereafter, Commissioner Mangal said the Afghan national was placed under arrest under Section 104 of the Customs Act.

Mangal said that further investigations are in progress.