Tangerang. An Indian national has been detained by the customs office at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang for attempting to smuggle two birds-of-paradise -- locally called Cendrawasih -- and an Asian small-clawed otter, an official said on Thursday.

The 56-year-old suspect, identified by the initials RM, was caught carrying the rare creatures in a suitcase for a flight to Mumbai on Indigo Air on July 1 when his luggage was scanned at the airport's security gate.

Customs officials called him from the boarding room for interrogation, said Gatot Sugeng Wibowo, head of the airport’s customs office.

"A further inspection of the suitcase, witnessed by the owner, revealed a lesser bird-of-paradise, a Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, and a small-clawed otter disguised among other items such as snacks, clothes, a handbag, and toys," Gatot said.

“During our preliminary investigation, RM claimed he is a Bollywood actor and producer who visited Indonesia for a vacation," the official added.

The suspect argued that the suitcase belonged to a compatriot and was entrusted to him to be flown to India. However, a review of security camera footage showed that he arrived at the airport carrying the suitcase himself.

RM is charged under the customs law, which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The animals have been handed over to the Jakarta wildlife authority for professional care.

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