Chennai: The air intelligence unit of the Chennai customs, during the early hours of Thursday, seized 18 kg of peacock feathers from a Sri Lanka bound passenger, at Chennai airport. Export of peacock feathers is banned under the Customs Act, officials said.
According to customs officials, AIU staff who were profiling passengers at the airport, spotted Muthukani (36), hailing from Ramanathapuram district, moving around in a suspicious manner. When customs officials picked him up for questioning, he gave very evasive answers.
Officials then recalled his check-in baggage and made a thorough examination. When officials grilled him, he said he was carrying nothing, but clothes. On opening his baggage, officials found bundles of peacock feathers covered in a cloth, which again was covered by artificial flowers. The bundles were then wrapped in a newspaper.
Officials then seized the feathers that were meant to be smuggled to Colombo, where they are in great demand.
Officials said the accused frequently travelled abroad, and they were investigating to find if he was involved in smuggling of feathers on previous occasions.
The latest seizure of peacock feathers confirms that the national bird continued to be poached in villages. Officials said, though these birds are covered under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, little effort has been taken to prevent them from being hunted.
Customs officials arrested Muthukani and seized the feathers weighing 18 kg worth Rs 1 lakh under the Customs Act. Investigations are on.
