India, Nov. 11 -- In a fresh development, Bengaluru Customs officials have arrested three passengers arriving from Bangkok at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in two separate incidents involving the smuggling of exotic wildlife and narcotics. The seizures and arrests took place on November 9, officials confirmed on Monday.

In the first case, two passengers arriving from Bangkok were intercepted by Customs officers during routine checks at KIA. Upon inspection, officials discovered several exotic wildlife species hidden in their luggage, including a white-cheeked gibbon, a monkey, and a hornbill. These animals are protected under international and Indian wildlife conservation laws.

The passengers were immediately detained, and ...