Monkeys, pythons, a fennec... An Indian was arrested at Bangkok International Airport as he was about to take a flight with 17 live animals in his suitcases, Thai agents said on Wednesday August 17 wildlife protection.
The kingdom is a notorious hub for wildlife trafficking, usually to major markets like Vietnam or China, where they are used in traditional medicine.
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The fauna and flora protection service discovered eight marmosets, a fennec, a raccoon, three iguanas, two monitor lizards and two white pythons on Tuesday evening, in plastic baskets hidden behind food, during a checking suitcases with X-rays. "
Authorities have arrested a man trying to smuggle animals to India
," said division chief Prasert Sonsatapornkul.
Abilash Annaduri, 21, was due to fly from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chennai in eastern India.
He was arrested by the police who accuse him of wildlife trafficking.
Authorities have estimated the market value of these animals, some of which do not live in the wild in Thailand, at around $2,700.
"
We haven't found microchips on these animals, so we don't know where they came from
," said Prasert Sonsatapornkul, who has noticed an increase in cases of trafficking to India.
The animals found were sent to veterinarians for examinations.
At the end of June, two Indian women were arrested at Suvarnabhumi airport when they wanted to fly to Chennai with more than 100 live animals in their luggage, including 35 turtles and 50 chameleons.
