Kolkata Customs reports seizure of 220 live plants from Bangkok arrival

Kolkata Customs says it seized 220 live plants weighing about 17 kg from a passenger arriving from Bangkok at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on 24 October 2026. The incident was reported in a Finance Ministry release published through PIB on 25 October.

According to the release, the consignment contained 150 guava plants, 20 jamun plants and 50 Caladium plants. The competent plant-quarantine authority examined them and reported that the required valid import permit and phytosanitary certificate were absent. These are the authorities’ findings, rather than a final court determination.

The plant-quarantine authority issued an order directing deportation of the consignment within the prescribed period, with destruction if that did not occur. The release reports seizure and further proceedings; it does not confirm that the plants have already been deported or destroyed.

Customs advised travellers to check admissibility and documentation with the competent plant-quarantine and Customs authorities before carrying plants or plant materials, including purchases and gifts for personal gardening. The announcement does not establish a new blanket ban on every plant import. Requirements depend on the material and its origin, the release says.

Source: Ministry of Finance, PIB Kolkata, release dated 25 October 2026. Original KROV English reporting and Telugu adaptation; enforcement findings and advice are attributed to the authorities.