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Smuggling in India Report 2024-25 72

Key Trends And Emerging PaĴerns

Seizures during FY 2024–25 indicate a notable evolution in wildlife
trafficking methodologies.

Smaller Consignments
Syndicates are shifting from bulk to fragmented
shipments, e.g., Pangolin trafficking where live
animals or small quantities of scales are moved to
evade detection.
Passenger Baggage Concealment

Airports remain key entry points for exotic species
like iguanas, tortoises, macaws, and lizards,
commonly smuggled in modified luggage.

Sophisticated Cargo Concealment
Wildlife contraband is increasingly hidden under
legitimate cargo, such as red sanders behind granite
slabs or turtles under fish crates, to avoid scrutiny.

Regional Specialization
Distinct geographical patterns for trafficking have
emerged — Red sanders from AP/Tamil Nadu
,Turtles from UP and AP, Ivory & Pangolin in the
Northeast.
Digital Platforms
Traffickers now rely on encrypted apps, closed
social media groups, and the dark web for coordi-
nation, using code words, temporary identities, and
encrypted payments to avoid detection.

Indian Nationality Carriers
The persons smuggling exotic wildlife into India
through various airports are predominantly
Indians.

Reptiles-Most Seized
Reptiles constitute the highest number of wildlife
seizures made in FY 2024-25.

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