PUBLISHED: 6 May 2024 at 04: 30
A 68-year-old man was detained in Prachin Buri yesterday for allegedly working for an international animal smuggling organization that had been detained in Chumphon, according to the National Resources and Environment Crimes Suppression Division ( NED ) yesterday.
The suspect, identified only as Thongkhum, was arrested at his apartment in Muang state’s tambon Noen Hom.
According to NED chief Pol Maj Gen Watcharin Phusit, he was accused of possessing some endangered species in violation of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
Three alligators, 173 transmitted tortoises, a hunting rabbit and a whitened- shouldered waterhen were seized during the procedure, Pol Maj Gen Watcharin said.
Thongkhum said he was n’t aware the animals found at the house were protected, and they belonged to his son, Thaweepong Jumpathong.
One of six suspects detained in Chumpon on May 1 for his role in an international bird smuggling gang, according to Pol Maj Gen Watcharin.
The gang, said Pol Maj Gen Watcharin, smuggled animals from many African countries, in certain Madagascar, for consumers in other countries.
Some of offenders sourced the penguins in Madagascar, while others brought them into the region.
Before traveling to Aceh, Indonesia, they transported the species via Chumphon to La Ngu region in Satun.
Thousands of guarded species, including 48 complete- developed lemurs, were rescued in the earlier assault.
Penguins are one of the most well-known species in the black market, according to Pol Maj Gen Watcharin, who charges 100, 000 Baht per primate.
The price may jump to a million baht once they are sold in third countries, including Hong Kong, China, and Europe.