Pair caught hiding monkeys in underwear at airport as one suffocates inside sweaty crotch
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: A couple were allegedly caught trying to smuggle monkeys in their underwear at Rafael Nunez International Airport in Cartagena, Colombia
A pair has been nabbed attempting to smuggle monkeys in their undergarments – with one creature dying from suffocation.
The animals were secured to the suspects’ groin region. The duo – a 27-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man from La Jagua de Ibirico in Colombia – were apprehended at Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport on Tuesday (May 12).
The suspects were trying to board an international flight heading to the Dominican Republic. The startling find was made by Colombian National Police officers during standard security checks. Authorities became suspicious of the pair’s behaviour before carrying out a physical examination that uncovered the exotic creatures in their underclothes.
Officers discovered two white-fronted capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifrons) and one red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) hidden within their underwear.
Wildlife experts confirmed that the infant red howler monkey died from suffocation during the trafficking attempt owing to the severe, constricting conditions of its transportation.
The two surviving capuchin creatures were instantly confiscated and placed under emergency care with the EPA Cartagena environmental authority for medical examinations.
A police spokesman stated: “Thanks to control and prevention activities, the flagrante delicto capture was achieved of two Colombian nationals who intended to illegally transport three specimens of wildlife outside the country.”
Officials said the creatures have an estimated black-market value exceeding £5,100 (COP 26m).
Animal welfare campaigners slammed the incident as “aberrant”, emphasising the systematic abuse of protected species for financial gain.
The accused are facing criminal charges for the illegal exploitation of natural resources and wildlife smuggling, according to NeedToKnow.
Under existing Colombian environmental laws, those found guilty of wildlife smuggling could be handed up to 12 years in federal prison along with a substantial fine.
Authorities are investigating whether the pair forms part of a broader international ring specialising in exotic pet smuggling.
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