An Air India passenger was stopped from boarding a flight at Cochin International Airport after a slippery stowaway was spotted by security.
A live poisonous snake was discovered in a carry-on bag.
An officer ‘found a live baby snake inside the bag which looked like an Indian Krait which is among the four most venomous snakes found in India,’ according to senior Central Industrial Security Force official.
The passenger, who was travelling to Abu Dhabi, was detained but convinced authorities he was unwittingly carrying the venomous baby snake.
The passenger, named only as Sunil, a resident of Kerala, bought a packet of Chinese potatoes before arriving at the airport.
The pack contained the reptile.
He was released without charge.
