Four Indian nationals were arrested for allegedly smuggling protected wildlife out of Thailand
The group reportedly packed the live animals into luggage concealed with snacks and tried to fly them out of the country.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) detained four suspects in coordinated raids across Bangkok, Chonburi and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The alleged wildlife traffickers were identified as Glastin, 53, who allegedly sourced customers, and Manimaran, 37, Lingesh, 24, and Noorul, 52, responsible for procuring the wildlife.
The men face charges of attempting to export protected wildlife without customs clearance and violations of Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
Police seized a live gibbon, a Javan langur, 100 Indian star tortoises, two empty suitcases, a suitcase packed with snacks, and a white Mazda 3.
The investigation began after airline staff discovered live and dead wild animals in luggage bound for India.
Police said the gang allegedly sourced protected animals in Thailand, stored them at a house in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian district, then packed them into luggage for shipment overseas.
Investigators later tracked the group as they allegedly handed suitcases filled with wildlife to an accomplice named Thameem at a hotel before the bags were taken to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for an international flight.
Officers intercepted the luggage and found one gibbon, two langurs, six live tegus and five blue-tongued skinks inside.
All four suspects were taken into custody as wildlife officials further investigate the international wildlife trafficking operation.
Thailand is a major transit hub for animal trafficking. With its porous borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, the country is a key route for smuggled wildlife across Southeast Asia.
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