India, June 30 -- Customs officials at the Mumbai International Airport have arrested a Chennai man attempting to smuggle 16 live exotic snakes from Thailand - the third major wildlife trafficking case at the airport this month.

The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Goodman Linford Leo from Chennai, arrived on a flight from Bangkok on Friday night. Upon inspection of his baggage, customs officials discovered cotton bags containing the live reptiles, a mix of rare and exotic species.

"Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone-III foiled yet another wild life smuggling attempt, 16 live snakes-Garter, Rhino Rat, Albino Rat, Kenyan Sand Boa, CA King etc. seized from passenger returning from Thailand. Passenger arrested. Furth...