Police found 35 turtles, 50 chameleons, 20 snakes, two white hedgehogs and two armadillos in their bags. The couple was trying to board a Thai Airways flight to India and suspicions arose after what was to be a regular X-ray inspection. Both were arrested and charged with violating the Wildlife Conservation Act, the Customs Act and the Thai Animal Epidemic Act. The incident happened at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday. According to Traffic, a non-governmental organization that monitors wildlife trade, such incidents are a “serious and growing” problem. “It is the fourth largest illicit trade in the world after arms, drugs and human trafficking and is often linked to other forms of serious crime such as fraud, money laundering and corruption,” a March 2022 report warned. Common motives for wildlife smuggling include their use for food, traditional medicines, art objects, fashion and exotic pets. Between 2011 and 2020, Traffic research claims that more than 70,000 wild animals – including their limbs or their derivatives – were discovered at Indian airports. Chennai International Airport, where the arrested couple was traveling, also had the highest number of wildlife seizures in the country.
