Tak police seize over 9,000 smuggled turtles worth up to THB1.5m
One man was duly arrested after officials at the Mae Sot wildlife checkpoint in Tak seized as many as 9,100 turtles stuffed in suitcases. The aquatic creatures were destined for customers in Bangkok.
Officers promptly nabbed the 58-year-old man named Tanong (his surname was not revealed) at 5.30pm on Monday.
Police also seized the man’s pick-up truck and eight suitcases.
In the suitcases were 9,000 red-eared sliders and 100 star tortoises, each priced between THB10,000 and THB15,000 and totally valued at THB1 million to THB1.5 million.
The seized animals will be handed over to the wildlife conservation office in Tak.
The suspect was charged with importing prohibited goods without going through customs, importing aquatic animals without any authorisation, and importing reserved animals without authorisation.
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Officers are gathering more evidence for further investigations by Mae Sot Police Station.
