Over 100 animals found in luggage at Thai airport

Two Indians at Bangkok Airport After more than 100 live animals were found in luggage, pandemic travel restrictions were eased and wildlife smuggling increased, according to Thai officials who arrested the woman.

According to the National Park Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department of Thailand, authorities detected suspicious objects in women's luggage during an X-ray scan at Suvarnabumi International Airport.

Authorities investigated and found 50 lizards, 35 turtles, and 2 porcupines, among other animals. At least two animals died and many were dehydrated.

Among the animals are the yellow-spotted river turtles that are native to the Amazon and on the international list of vulnerable species, and Peter's striped skink, which is sold as a pet in the United States. did.

Thai authorities did not identify the two women. They were charged with violating Thai customs, public health laws, and wildlife conservation and protection laws. The latter claim can lead to imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to about $ 28,500, or both.

The Thai Park Authority and the Indian Embassy in Bangkok did not respond to requests for comment.

Officials said the women were trying to board a plane to the city of Chennai in southern India. According to Traffic, a non-governmental organization, more than 70,000 animals were seized at Indian airports between 2011 and 2020. 36% of those attacks were listed at Chennai Airport.

Wildlife trafficking is an illegal trade worth up to $ 150 billion annually worldwide. According to the Environmental Research Agency, the coronavirus outbreak has sharply reduced animal traffic around the world, but deregulation has restored activity.

Southeast Asian countries have made efforts to engage in trade, including increasing penalties for wildlife traffickers in 2019. The maximum fine for violating the Wildlife Trafficking Act has been increased by 25 times, but the maximum sentence has been increased by two and a half years to 10 years.

Thai authorities seized at least 636 animals at Suvarnabumi Airport last month. In April, 34 turtles, including the endangered Burmese Startus, were found in a mail package destined for the Philippines.

In May 2021, the Thai government launched a campaign against the human trafficking of wildlife. The coronavirus pandemic may be rooted in pathogens originally carried by wild animals. The campaign's motto is "Stop illness and extinction: don't eat, buy, hunt or sell wildlife."