Cat’s out the bag! Cops claw back wildlife in Bangkok airport bust
In a purrfectly executed operation at Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok, Thai police proudly announced a successful swoop on a hair-raising attempt to smuggle exotic wildlife out of Thailand.
The operation on Sunday, March 2, led to the apprehension of a 44 year old Indian woman, who was trying to wing it by sneaking protected animals aboard AirAsia flight FD 137 bound for Bangalore.
The plot unravelled thanks to eagle-eyed AirAsia staff, who spotted some suspicious monkey business and tipped off the police.
Upon delving into the Indian woman’s luggage, officers uncovered a veritable zoo of concealed creatures, ruffling more than just a few feathers.
The three protected animals included a common spotted cuscus, a marsupial with a penchant for mischief, nestled in a woven basket, while two Marmoset Monkeys, known for being cheeky, were cunningly tucked away in a ventilated foam box.
The suspect, Ms Maina, now faces a raft of charges: from attempting to export protected wildlife without legal approval under Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act to illegally ferrying animals out of the country under the Animal Epidemic Act and exporting restricted goods without customs clearance according to the Customs Act.
This pawsitive bust is part of a larger government endeavour to cage the wildlife trafficking menace, led by Dr Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
The ministry is on a mission to stamp out illegal pet breeding, online critter commerce, cross-border clucking, and sneaky smuggling escapades, reported ASEAN Now.
With Ms Maina now detained, further investigations are in flight, emphasising Thailand’s fierce commitment to enforcing robust wildlife protection laws.
The rescued animals will be returned to the relevant department, while the legal proceedings against Ms Maina continue to make headlines.
In related news from last year, Thai officials thwarted an audacious attempt to smuggle 87 wild animals through Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The successful operation was a collaborative effort between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Customs Office, and other relevant authorities.
The intervention occurred when airport security personnel discovered the creatures concealed within eight pieces of luggage. These bags belonged to six Indian tourists who were preparing to depart for Mumbai, India.
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