Chennai, June 19 -- The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Chennai Customs has foiled an attempt to smuggle wildlife species--two live monkeys and seven tortoises--at the Anna International airport here today, which were later deported back to Bangkok in Thailand after arresting a passenger.

A PIB release said the AIU officials intercepted an Indian male passenger who had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand by a Thai Airways Flight at around 2355 hrs on Wednesday night, on suspicion of smuggling wildlife.

Upon intercepting him, his checked-in baggage was retrieved for examination in which the officers found two ventilated carry bags and a small cloth bag concealed under layers of confectionery items.

On closer inspection, movements were no...