BANGKOK – Authorities from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division have arrested four Indian nationals accused of trying to smuggle protected wildlife out of the country after police found 100 Indian star tortoises, a gibbon, and a langur at a house in Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district.
Key Takeaways
- Police detained four suspects aged between 24 and 53.
- Officers seized protected animals, suitcases, and a white Mazda 3 sedan.
- Investigators say the suspects were part of an international wildlife trafficking network.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division arrested the men on Wednesday under warrants issued by the Central Tax Court. Pol Maj Gen Anek Taosuparp, the division’s commander, announced the arrests on Thursday.
Prosecutors charged the suspects with conspiring to export goods without customs clearance and with illegally exporting protected and controlled wildlife.
Police also took three suitcases and a white Mazda 3 with Udon Thani license plates as evidence. The animals were found at a house on Bang Kradi Soi 19, which investigators believe the group used to store and pack wildlife before shipment overseas.
The investigation began in May after an airline alerted police about luggage returned from a flight bound for India. The bag reportedly contained live wild animals and animal carcasses.
Police Intercept Wildlife at Bangkok Hotel
Investigators then identified an international trafficking operation. According to Pol Maj Gen Anek, the suspects held different responsibilities within the group. One man coordinated with customers, while two others obtained animals requested by buyers and arranged their shipment abroad.
Police later watched members of the group deliver suitcases to an Indian man identified as Thameem at a hotel. He took the luggage to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where officers stopped him before the bags could be loaded onto an outbound flight.
A search of the suitcases uncovered one gibbon, two langurs, six tegu lizards, and five blue-tongued skinks. Police arrested Thameem at the airport.
The discovery led investigators to other people connected to the network. The Central Tax Court then issued warrants for the four suspects arrested at the Bang Khunthian property.
All four men confessed during questioning, Pol Maj Gen Anek said. Authorities transferred them to division investigators for further legal action. Police are continuing to look for other people linked to the wildlife trafficking operation. The seized animals have been placed under the care of relevant authorities.
Wildlife Smuggling Thailand
Thailand is a major hotspot for the illegal wildlife trade, and recently, there has been a growing trend of Indian nationals involved in smuggling rare animals out of the country. Buyers in India are increasingly seeking exotic pets, which has led criminal networks to use cities like Bangkok as bases to collect, pack, and ship live creatures.
Smugglers often tightly pack animals like red pandas, star tortoises, monkeys, and lizards inside regular suitcases, hoping to slip them past airport X-ray machines on flights to places like Mumbai or Kolkata. Despite strict laws and regular airport arrests, the high demand and huge profits keep this cruel business running.
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