A man who flew to India from Thailand has been held at the airport after customs officers found a leopard cub in his bag.

Officers became suspicious after noises were heard coming from the passengers bag. The month-old cub, weighing one kilogram, was discovered in a pink, plastic grocery basket.

Authorities are investigating the suspect, who flew to Chennai from Bangkok, to find out whether he is part of an international smuggling ring, according to AFP.

He had been cornered by officials as he attempted to quickly leave the area after collecting his luggage.

Airport officials said the cub was “in a state of shock and was making trill sounds, and appeared to be weak”. It has since been taken to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai.

The 45-year-old man was reportedly “evasive in his replies” as he was being questioned.