Jean MartinBangkok customs officials charge six after finding 87 animals, including lizards, birds, a monkey, and snakes.
Arrest of Indian Nationals
Thai customs officials have apprehended six Indian nationals at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport for attempting to smuggle a variety of wild animals out of the country.
Discovery of Smuggled Animals
Officers discovered a total of 87 animals, including a red panda, cotton-top tamarin monkey, monitor lizards, birds, and snakes, concealed inside the suspects’ checked luggage. They were reportedly trying to transport the animals to Mumbai.
Thailand’s Role in Wildlife Smuggling
Thailand serves as a significant hub for illegal wildlife trafficking due to its rich biodiversity, strategic location, and well-established infrastructure. Smugglers often utilize Thailand as a transit point to transport animals to markets in China and Vietnam.
Contents of the Smuggled Cargo
Among the confiscated animals were 29 black throat monitor lizards, 21 snakes, and 15 birds, including parrots.
Notably, a red panda, cotton-top tamarin monkey, and a Sulawesi bear cuscus were among the smuggled creatures, all of which are endangered or vulnerable species.
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Legal Ramifications
If found guilty, the suspects could face severe penalties, including a maximum jail term of 10 years or a substantial fine.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Trafficking
This incident follows a recent arrest at the same airport involving a Mongolian individual attempting to smuggle Komodo dragons, pythons, and live fish.
Wildlife trafficking between Southeast Asia and South Asia has remained persistent, particularly with the resumption of air travel post-Covid lockdowns.
NGO Response
Kanitha Krishnasamy, the Southeast Asia director for Traffic, highlighted the active trafficking of live animals between the two regions, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
