Enhanced security checks on international flights at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand have resulted in the arrest of two foreign nationals attempting to smuggle live wild animals, with officials rescuing dozens of creatures destined for India and Sri Lanka.

The Director of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Management Authority’s Wildlife and Plant Protection Division, Sadudee Phanthapakdee, received reports from the Chief of the Wildlife Inspection Station at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Komkrit Pinsai, detailing two separate wildlife trafficking incidents. Officers arrested a Sri Lankan passenger attempting to board SriLankan Airlines flight UL405 from Suvarnabhumi to Colombo. Hidden in the suspect’s luggage were two live Hyacinth Macaws, two live meerkats, and one live prairie dog. 

The suspect faces charges under Thailand’s Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, the Customs Act, and the Animal Epidemic Act. The case has been forwarded to investigators at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station.

(Khaosod English)