A total of 114 exotic wild animals, including five albino Texas rat snakes, were seized at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 5 November.

The animals were recovered while reportedly being smuggled from China, concealed inside two imported cartons behind welding machines, the Airport Police Station confirmed.

One person allegedly involved in the smuggling was detained and handed over to the Airport Police Station. A case was filed against him under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act.

Investigation Officer Shafiqul Islam told Daily Waadaa that a case was recorded at the police station on 6 November under case number 10, naming Asif Ali Hossain as the accused.

The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Forest Department seized the animals, which included king snakes, Chinese fire belly newts, red-eared slider turtles and several other species.

Representatives of Customs, the Department of Livestock Services, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and AVISEC assisted the joint operation.

The rescued animals are currently under close observation at the WCCU office of the Forest Department in Agargaon, Dhaka.