6-3-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai customs officials have successfully apprehended six Indian nationals who were caught attempting to smuggle a red panda and 86 other animals out of Thailand. The illicit operation was discovered when their checked luggage was inspected at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, as they were preparing to board a flight to Mumbai.
Thailand serves as a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers, with China and Vietnam being common destinations for the sale of these animals. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in trafficking towards India.
The Customs Department released a statement revealing the contents of the smuggled animals. The confiscated wildlife consisted of 29 black throat monitor lizards, 21 snakes, and 15 birds, including parrots, making a total of 87 animals. These creatures were cleverly concealed within the suspects’ luggage.
Photographs shared by the department unveiled the red panda, an endangered species, peeking out of a wicker basket, and a parrot trapped in a plastic container with air holes hastily drilled into the lid. Other animals were found in plastic tubs, with lizards neatly packed inside, and snakes coiled together within cloth bags.
The arrested individuals now face severe consequences for their illegal activities. They could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in jail or be required to pay a fine up to four times the amount of import duties.
This incident follows a recent arrest at the same airport, where a Mongolian man was caught attempting to smuggle Komodo dragons, pythons, and two dozen live fish out of Thailand.
Wildlife smuggling remains a significant concern globally, with criminals exploiting vulnerable species for monetary gain. Authorities in Thailand are working diligently to combat such illegal activities and protect endangered animals from falling victim to the black market.
