In the luggage were, among other things, a red panda, a monkey and several snakes.
Now six Indian nationals have been arrested after trying to smuggle 87 exotic animals out of Thailand.
They were arrested at the Bangkok airport while on their way to Mumbai, reports say CNN.
It was during Monday that the Thai customs authority made an unusual discovery at Bangkok airport. 87 live animals were found in the luggage of six Indian citizens. Among them was a red panda – an endangered species.
– They have tried to smuggle live animals out of the country, said Thai customs, according to CNN.
In addition to the discovery of the red panda, a fishing cat was also found – an endangered feline that lives almost exclusively in wetlands in Southeast Asia. Also found was a cotton-headed tamarin, which is a rare monkey.
Crowded into baskets
Several lizards, snakes, birds, squirrels and bats were also in the luggage, according to the customs authority.
Pictures released by Thai customs show animals crammed into wicker baskets and plastic barrels placed in large roll-on bags. According to customs, the plan was for all the bags to go on the plane to Mumbai.
The suspected smugglers are six Indian citizens and are now accused, among other things, of violating laws relating to international trade in endangered species of wild animals and plants.
“Growing fad”
The trade in wild animals has become bigger in recent years, according to the organization Traffic, which works to map the problem. They describe the increase in exotic pets becoming a “growing fad” in some parts of the world.
– We have seen a very active level of trade in live animals between Southeast Asia and South Asia, says Kanitha Krishnasamy, head of TRAFFIC’s office in Southeast Asia.
Thailand is said to be the country where the second most incidents have been reported. While most of the animals end up in India.
– We have to get to the bottom of the market in India. We need to understand the market to guide future efforts that can lead to stronger regulation and reduced demand, Krishnasamy told CNN.