Wildlife smuggling-Red Panda found in luggage at Bangkok airport
In a recent incident at Bangkok’s international airport, six Indian nationals have been apprehended by Thai customs officials for their alleged involvement in smuggling a red panda and numerous other animals out of the country. The seized animals, including snakes, parrots, and monitor lizards, totaled 87 in number and were discovered in the suspects’ checked luggage as they attempted to board a flight to Mumbai.
The Thai customs department shared images showcasing the red panda, an endangered species, confined in a basket, along with a parrot enclosed in a plastic container, and snakes bundled together in cloth bags. The suspects now face a potential maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife smuggling in Thailand, a recognized transit hub for such activities. Typically, smuggled animals find their way to markets in China and Vietnam, but there is a growing market in India as well.
