BANGKOK — Authorities arrested three Taiwanese nationals at Don Mueang International Airport on Friday after discovering 52 sedated endangered animals concealed in stockings and wrapped tightly around their bodies in an attempted smuggling operation.
The arrests mark the second seizure in a continuing investigation that began 10 days earlier when officials first detained a 54-year-old Taiwanese man identified as Mr. Chiu on October 7. He was caught attempting to smuggle two slow lorises, one squirrel, three civets, and two Indian star tortoises out of the country.
Authorities discovered he had drugged the animals, stuffed them into stockings, wrapped them in cloth, and strapped the bundles to his body to evade detection.
Major Smuggling Network Uncovered
Following that initial arrest, investigators from the Wildlife Checkpoint at Don Mueang Airport expanded their probe and uncovered evidence of an organized smuggling network planning to transport a large shipment of rare wildlife using the same method through the airport.
Officers set up surveillance operations, and on October 17, they observed three Taiwanese men displaying suspicious behavior as they prepared to depart the country. Upon conducting body searches, authorities made a shocking discovery: numerous rare animals hidden around the men’s legs.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division arrested Mr. Hsu, 53, Mr. Hong, 40, and Mr. Yang, 36, all Taiwanese nationals.
52 Endangered Animals Recovered
Working alongside Wildlife Checkpoint officers and customs officials, investigators carefully unwrapped the cloth bundles and stockings concealing the animals. The seizure yielded 52 endangered specimens, predominantly tortoises of various species including 32 babies, along with seven Chinese crocodile lizards—all destined for the illegal exotic pet trade.
Suspects Confess to Smuggling Ring
All three suspects confessed to being part of the smuggling operation, serving as couriers for 30,000 baht ($920) per trip. They admitted this was their third smuggling attempt and revealed they purchased the animals from a Thai intermediary before transporting them to Taiwan, where they would be sold to exotic animal enthusiasts.
The men have been charged with illegal possession of protected wildlife without permission, attempting to export protected and controlled wildlife without authorization under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, and attempting to export goods without completing customs procedures.
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