Major Bust on Thai Border
In a dramatic operation highlighting the nexus between wildlife smuggling and drug trafficking, Thai police have arrested two men caught attempting to transport 81 live monkeys alongside a significant quantity of Class A drugs. The incident, which unfolded near Thailand's border with Cambodia, saw dozens of long-tailed macaques discovered hidden inside blue mesh bags, along with methamphetamine pills and packets of crystal meth.
The Chase and Arrest
According to a statement from the 12th Ranger Regiment of the Royal Thai Army, the suspects were pursued on Friday after their dark grey Toyota Revo was deemed suspicious. The vehicle was tracked along Road 3383 into a natural channel near the Cambodian border. The driver proceeded approximately 440 metres away from the main road before parking, where both men began unloading the blue net bags containing the monkeys and drugs.
An army officer arrived and attempted to stop the men for checks. However, the suspects hastily got back into their car and drove away, abandoning one of the bags filled with monkeys on the ground. A chase ensued, culminating in the soldiers successfully halting the vehicle. Wildlife checkpoint officials and police were then called to the scene to take charge of the investigation and the confiscated items.
A Lucrative and Cruel Trade
Initial inquiries suggest the two men were hired by an international wildlife smuggling ring. The long-tailed macaques, a species in high demand internationally, are part of a lucrative trade where they can sell for tens of thousands of pounds. Authorities confirmed that drug and migrant smugglers often use the same routes and infrastructure, such as boats and lorries, to move endangered animals.
In a related incident just hours before this bust, rangers on patrol in Thailand’s Khlong Hat District heard unusual animal noises from a sugarcane field. Their search revealed 10 large plastic baskets containing 62 long-tailed macaques. The group, consisting of 44 males and 18 females, were found in a weakened state and were subsequently transported to a wildlife rescue centre for urgent treatment and care.
Authorities Vow to Continue Clampdown
Somruek Suppamitkrisana, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, stated that the consecutive discoveries confirm the border area remains a prime target for trafficking networks. The suspects are due to be charged under Thailand's stringent wildlife protection and drugs laws. This case underscores the ongoing challenges and the determined efforts by Thai authorities to combat the intertwined illegal trades of endangered animals and narcotics.
