Customs officials found 220 turtles stuffed into three bags at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday morning. All the turtles were reported to be still alive when officials discovered them.
The Spotted Pond Turtles are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species). Each turtle fetches between THB1,000 and THB10,000 on the black market. The species is native to Bangladesh.
“We have removed the turtles and will forward them to those relevant officials who can assist with their rehabilitation,” a senior customs official Paisarn Chuenjit said. He added that officials would also try to locate the suspected smugglers and press charges. The bags were left near Gate 6 at the arrival terminal, the Nation reported.
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