The passenger, who had travelled on flight AI338, was found carrying a number of live and dead exotic animals in his luggage

The customs officials were suspicious after the passenger appeared to be nervous during his questioning and a detailed baggage check led to the shocking discovery of multiple protected and non-native species

Some of the species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the statement said

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an international agreement that regulates international trade in endangered species of wild animals and plants

The statement said that multiple animals and birds were found in his baggage

All the animals were seized under official documentation (Panchanama)

The passenger was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962," officials said, adding that a detailed investigation is underway to determine the source, motive, and possible links to wildlife smuggling networks