Chennai Customs Thwarts Kerala Gang's Attempt to Traffic Endangered Bali Myna
Chennai Customs intercepted and arrested three members of a Kerala-based gang attempting to smuggle 16 endangered Bali Myna birds from Malaysia to Kochi via Chennai. The birds, protected under CITES and the Wildlife Protection Act, were intended for the pet trade.
Bali MynaChennai CustomsWildlife TraffickingEndangered SpeciesCitesReal EstateNov 02, 2025
According to sources, Anwar, a Kochi resident who runs a plant nursery and pet business, had promised ₹1 lakh to provision shop owner Ayyobe Kunnumbrath (60), commission agent F Binseer (46), and real estate broker M Nasir (54) to travel with them to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and bring eight pairs of the exotic birds to Kochi via Chennai. The birds were intended for sale in the pet trade.
While returning on the Indigo flight 6E-1032 on Thursday morning, the Customs authorities intercepted Ayyobe. His check-in luggage was found to contain five plastic pet boxes concealed among biscuits, toys, and chocolates. The boxes were found to have 10 Bali Myna (Leucopsar Rothschild), which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act. The passenger did not have any valid permits to import the birds and was subsequently arrested.
During the interrogation, Ayyobe revealed the involvement of his co-passengers—Anwar, Binseer, and Nasir. However, Anwar managed to escape in a taxi with six birds in his luggage. The other two, Binseer and Nasir, were arrested. Sources indicated that Nasir had brought the six birds in his luggage and handed them over to Anwar.
All three suspects were reportedly facing financial difficulties. For instance, Binseer had accumulated debts after his business in Goa failed. This case is rare, as the Bali Myna is a commonly trafficked species, and it is a protected one. The seizure by Chennai Customs is particularly noteworthy, especially since the only other recent case involving the Bali Myna trafficked from Malaysia was on January 28, when it was seized by Bengaluru Customs.
Customs officials noted that the birds were likely transported from Indonesia to Malaysia, indicating that Malaysian authorities need to enhance their vigilance at their borders and airports to curb this illegal trade. The seized birds were promptly sent back to Malaysia the following day, according to the Customs department.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of Customs authorities to combat the illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species like the Bali Myna. The successful interception and arrest of the gang members serve as a deterrent to potential traffickers and highlight the importance of international collaboration in wildlife conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bali Myna?
The Bali Myna, also known as the Rothschild's Mynah, is an endangered bird species native to the island of Bali in Indonesia. It is protected under CITES and the Wildlife Protection Act.
Why are the Bali Myna birds trafficked?
The Bali Myna is often trafficked for the pet trade due to its beautiful appearance and unique song. This illegal trade poses a significant threat to the species' survival.
What happened to the seized birds?
The seized Bali Myna birds were sent back to Malaysia the next day. Customs authorities ensure that such endangered species are returned to their native habitats or appropriate conservation centers.
Who were the members of the gang arrested?
The gang members arrested include Ayyobe Kunnumbrath, F Binseer, and M Nasir. The leader, Anwar, managed to escape with six birds.
What is the role of Customs in preventing wildlife trafficking?
Customs authorities play a crucial role in intercepting and preventing the illegal trade of wildlife, including endangered species like the Bali Myna. They work to enforce international and national laws to protect these species.
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