All articles tagged with #wildlife smuggling
Originally Published 2 months ago — by CBS News
U.S. border agents seized 163 exotic creatures, including pythons, tarantulas, and other reptiles and spiders, hidden in a truck headed to Mexico, highlighting ongoing wildlife smuggling issues at the border.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by CBS News
Indian customs intercepted a passenger from Thailand attempting to smuggle nearly 100 wildlife creatures, including lizards, tarantulas, possums, and other exotic animals, highlighting a troubling rise in wildlife trafficking driven by the exotic pet trade, with most seizures occurring in India.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ABC News
Thai customs agents seized 87 animals, including a red panda, from checked luggage at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, leading to the arrest of six Indian nationals on suspicion of wildlife smuggling. The animals, categorized as threatened by CITES, were hidden in baskets, bags, and containers. Thailand, a biodiversity-rich nation, has been a major hub for illicit wildlife trafficking, with customs officials making numerous CITES-protected wildlife seizures over the years. If found guilty, the suspects may face up to 10 years in jail or a heavy fine.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Thai customs officials rescued a red panda, snakes, monkeys, and chameleons from checked-in luggage at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and arrested six Indian nationals for attempted smuggling. A total of 87 reptiles and mammals were found in the baggage, highlighting the ongoing issue of illegal wildlife trafficking in the region. The red panda, along with other animals, was rescued from the luggage and the suspects were bound for Mumbai. The incident underscores the high demand for animal products in certain countries and the urgent need for wildlife conservation efforts.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
Six Indian nationals were arrested at Bangkok's international airport for attempting to smuggle a red panda and 87 other animals, including snakes, parrots, and monitor lizards, out of Thailand in their checked luggage. The suspects face a maximum of 10 years behind bars, and Thailand is a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers, with the animals usually sold in China and Vietnam.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Florida man pleads guilty to smuggling thousands of turtles to Hong Kong and Germany, and falsifying documents to conceal his crimes. John Michael Kreatsoulas, 36, ran the scheme from July 2015 to July 2021, shipping wildlife, including protected species, through his business Omni Reptiles Inc. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian US
Texas border patrol agents arrested an individual suspected of smuggling seven baby spider monkeys into the US. The monkeys, a critically endangered species, were found huddled together in a backpack with multiple holes. They were later turned over to the US fish and wildlife department. Spider monkeys play a crucial role in seed dispersal and are facing a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. This incident follows a previous case where individuals were charged with smuggling another endangered monkey species.