Wildlife trafficking ring intercepted in Phetchaburi
Authorities in Phetchaburi have intercepted a suspected wildlife trafficking ring and seized 135 animals after stopping a pickup truck believed to be transporting wildlife for illegal sale.
Mr Nithat Nunsong, Director of Conservation Area Administration Office 3, Phetchaburi branch, said the operation took place on the evening of 5 May after officials received information coordinated through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Patrol officers from the Wildlife Conservation Division of Conservation Area Administration Office 3, Phetchaburi branch, joined officers from Sub-Division 5 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, Highway Police 2, Sub-Division 2, Phetchaburi, Border Patrol Police intelligence and crime suppression officers, and narcotics suppression intelligence officers.
The joint team stopped a bronze-gold Toyota pickup truck with Satun licence plates in Phetchaburi province. The driver was identified as Mr Sangob, 49, from Satun province.
A search of the rear of the vehicle found a large number of rare wild animals. Officials said there were no permits for the possession or transport of the animals.
The seized wildlife included 13 Moluccan cockatoos, a species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES.
Officials also found 14 animals from the cuscus family and tree kangaroos, as well as more than 108 porcupines, monitor lizards and snakes.
In total, six types of animals were seized, with 135 animals taken into official custody.
Investigation into wildlife trafficking network continues
Authorities filed initial charges under Section 19 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 for possessing controlled wild animals without permission.
The suspect and the seized animals were handed over to investigators as officials seek to expand the case and identify the origin and intended destination of the animals.
Authorities said the investigation will also look into others believed to be involved in the wildlife trafficking network.
The animals were handed over to veterinarians and specialists from Conservation Area Administration Office 3, Phetchaburi branch, for care and detailed species identification. The findings will be used as evidence in the case.
Mr Nithat said the arrest was the result of coordinated intelligence work between Thai agencies and international organisations.
He said the operation was in line with the policy of Mr Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, to prevent and suppress the illegal wildlife trade.
