Thai authorities have arrested a 34-year-old Malaysian man at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 250 live wild animals into India.
The arrest was made during a joint operation on May 24 involving the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and other enforcement agencies at around 3.45am near boarding gate F3 in Zone 3 of the international departure terminal.
Authorities said the suspect was scheduled to travel from Bangkok to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, India.
A search of his checked luggage reportedly uncovered live animals hidden inside a wheeled suitcase, including two helmeted hornbills, two Patagonian maras, 62 iguanas, five monitor lizards, 100 blue-tongued skinks, and 80 freshwater turtles.
Officials said the suspect is being charged under several laws, including the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019, the Customs Act 2017, the Animal Epidemics Act 2015, and the Fisheries Royal Ordinance 2015.
He was later handed over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police for further investigation and legal action.
The seized animals have been transferred to relevant wildlife and fisheries authorities for care, identification, and use as evidence in the ongoing probe.
Authorities are also widening investigations to identify other individuals believed to be involved in the trafficking network.
