11 birds in couple's baggage from Thailand; endangered species smuggled

KOCHI: A couple who smuggled birds from Thailand has been held at the Nedumbassery Airport. The customs caught the couple, natives of Malappuram. 11 birds were seized from their baggage.

The couple along with their seven-year-old child reached Nedumbassery in a flight from Thailand via Kuala Lampur. They were detained following a secret information received. When examined their baggage, the endangered species were found.

The customs authorities said the seized birds would be sent back to Thailand itself. The couple has been handed over to the forest department, informed the customs.