The passenger, identified as Yaashar Samiullah Sheriff Umera Banu, an Indian national, arrived at Terminal 2 of KIA from Bangkok on an AirAsia flight, which landed around 10.15 p.m. on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: File photo
Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) allegedly intercepted an international passenger carrying a wide variety of spider species allegedly smuggled inside his checked-in luggage from Bangkok on Saturday night.
The passenger, identified as Yaashar Samiullah Sheriff Umera Banu, an Indian national, arrived at Terminal 2 of KIA from Bangkok on an AirAsia flight, which landed around 10.15 p.m. on Saturday.
During baggage checks, Customs officials allegedly detected the concealed spiders inside the passenger’s checked-in luggage and detained him for questioning.
Officials are examining the species recovered and investigating the source, nature and purpose of the consignment. An initial probe revealed that the accused was allegedly acting as a mule for an international wildlife smuggling syndicate and was paid for the job, along with his travel expenses. Officials said the accused was to hand over the consignment to a person waiting outside the airport.
Further details regarding the number and exact species of spiders were not immediately available. Further investigation is under way.
Published – September 15, 2026 06:19 pm IST
