Rare reptiles seized at airport
2006-09-04 18:02
Bangkok - Customs officials in Thailand said on Monday they had seized 200 reptiles including rare star tortoises that were smuggled into the country to be sold at Bangkok's famous Chatuchak weekend market.
A Madagascan man was charged with wildlife smuggling after customs officials on Friday discovered 15 star tortoises and 185 chameleons in his luggage at Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport.
Kricha Gerdsripan, a senior customs official, said: "The man smuggled those reptiles for his clients to sell at the Chatuchak weekend market."
Chatuchak market has a reputation for selling exotic pets and endangered animals, and has frequently been raided by wildlife groups and customs officials.
All trade in star tortoises is banned under an international convention on the trade in endangered animals.
Chameleons can be traded, but only with official documentation.
According to a spokesperson from wildlife charity WildAid, a star tortoise can fetch between $26 and $260 (about R190 to R1 900) depending on size and country of origin.
Under Thailand's wildlife laws, the smuggler could face up to four years in prison or a fine of about 40 000 Baht (about R7 800).