BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 19-year-old Taiwanese woman was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for attempting to smuggle 30 turtles taped to her body. The turtles were fixed with adhesive tape and hidden in cloth bags to bypass security checks.
Turtles Taped to Body
The young woman aroused suspicion on April 29 in the departure area. During a thorough search, officers discovered 30 Indian star tortoises attached directly to her body. To suppress their movement, the suspect taped the turtles down and then placed them in cloth bags to deceive airport scanners.
One Turtle Does Not Survive Ordeal
Of the 30 seized animals, 29 survived the cruel transport attempt. One turtle died, according to officials, during the smuggling act on the woman’s body. The surviving reptiles were handed over to the Wildlife Protection Office for medical care, where they now receive necessary treatment after the ordeal.
Severe Penalties for Wildlife Smuggling
The 19-year-old now faces serious charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, the Customs Act, and the Animal Epidemic Act for the illegal export. Investigators transferred the suspect to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further legal proceedings. Indian star tortoises are internationally protected and highly valuable on the black market.
Another Smuggler Arrested in Bangkok
Almost simultaneously, authorities at Don Mueang Airport caught another animal smuggler. A South Korean man attempted to illegally export seven rare radiated tortoises from Thailand. Investigators are now examining whether the two cases are part of a larger illegal wildlife trade network. Authorities are intensifying the investigation against suspected transnational gangs.
Protection of Endangered Species
The cruel treatment of the animals demonstrates the ruthlessness of smugglers in the pursuit of high profits. The protection of endangered species remains one of the greatest challenges for Thailand’s border authorities.