Enhanced security checks at Suvarnabhumi Airport led to the arrest of two foreign nationals attempting to smuggle live wild animals.
Thai authorities rescued dozens of animals that were being illegally transported to India and Sri Lanka.
On 26th of May officials intercepted a Thai Airways baggage shipment from flight TG326 from Bengaluru and seized 20 live blue iguanas and 2 sulcata tortoises.
The contraband was traced to an Indian passenger scheduled to fly back to India on TG325.
In a separate incident, a Sri Lankan passenger was arrested while trying to board SriLankan Airlines flight UL405 to Colombo.
Inside his luggage, authorities discovered 2 live Hyacinth Macaws, 2 meerkats, and 1 prairie dog.
Both suspects are being charged under Thailand’s Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, Customs Act, and Animal Epidemic Act.
The cases have been handed over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police for further investigation.
Sadudee Phanthapakdee of the CITES Management Authority commended the efforts of airport officials and wildlife inspectors for the successful interceptions.
He affirmed the government’s continued commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity in line with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s policies.
