Need to know
A 19-year-old traveller was arrested at a Bangkok airport after allegedly trying to smuggle 30 rare Indian Star tortoises by strapping them to her body for a flight
- A 19-year-old Taiwanese traveller was caught allegedly trying to smuggle 30 rare tortoises through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport by strapping them to her body. She was reportedly attempting to sneak the protected animals onto a flight to Taipei before security staff spotted her acting suspiciously.
- Eagle-eyed airport staff are said to have noticed the teenager acting strangely and making “suspicious body movements” during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The odd gestures tipped off the wildlife inspection team, who pulled her aside for a private search.
- Upon searching the woman, officials were reportedly horrified to find dozens of Indian Star tortoises hidden beneath her clothing. The reptiles are claimed to have been taped directly to her skin in a desperate attempt to bypass security checkpoints.
- To keep the animals quiet and hidden, the alleged smuggler had tightly bound them with adhesive tape to limit their movement. They were then stuffed into individual cloth bags and attached to her torso to evade detection.
- The stressful and cramped conditions of the journey unfortunately proved fatal for one of the creatures. While 29 of the tortoises survived the ordeal, one was found dead as soon as the bags were opened.
- Indian Star tortoises are a highly sought-after species that are in huge demand on the illegal black market. Because they are so rare, they fetch a staggering price, making them a top target for international smugglers.
- The specific tortoises are strictly protected under CITES, an international agreement designed to stop the trade of endangered wildlife. Moving them across borders without the correct permits is a serious criminal offence.
- The teenager was hauled off to a local police station and has been officially charged under the Wildlife Protection Act. She remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the smuggling plot.
- Read the full article here: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/weird-news/teenager-caught-trying-smuggle-30-37091482
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