In a dramatic interception at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, Thai customs officials have thwarted the smuggling attempt of six Indian nationals carrying a menagerie of wild animals, including a red panda and cotton-top tamarin monkey. The suspects’ checked luggage revealed a startling 87 animals, including monitor lizards, birds, and snakes, all destined for Mumbai.
Thailand, a biodiversity hotspot, has long been a target for illegal wildlife trafficking, valued at billions globally. The country’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure make it a favored transit point for smugglers, who often route animals through Thailand to lucrative markets in China and Vietnam. Recent years have also seen a rise in trafficking to India.
The customs department’s statement described the haul as including 29 black throat monitor lizards, 21 snakes, and 15 birds, including parrots. Images released by the department depicted the red panda, a bear-like creature about the size of a domestic cat, peering from a wicker basket. A cotton-top tamarin monkey, critically endangered according to the ICUN red list, was discovered in a plastic box. Additionally, a Sulawesi bear cuscus, classified as vulnerable, was found taped inside a basket. Snakes and lizards were concealed in cloth bags and plastic food tubs.
The suspects, if convicted, could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail or a fine up to four times the import duties. This seizure comes on the heels of another notable arrest in February, when a Mongolian man was apprehended at the same airport for attempting to smuggle Komodo dragons, pythons, and over 20 live fish out of Thailand.
Kanitha Krishnasamy, Traffic’s southeast Asia director, highlighted the concerning trend of trafficking between southeast Asia and south Asia. She noted an uptick in trafficking activities following the lifting of Covid lockdowns, citing “a very active and persistent level of trafficking of live animals” across the region. Krishnasamy emphasized the critical role of airlines and the transport sector in detecting and combating wildlife trafficking, urging collaboration with enforcement agencies to dismantle trafficking networks.
This incident underscores the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trafficking, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
(Source: Fox | CBS | The Guardian)
