Bangkok: Police raided a house in the Pracha Uthit area and seized wildlife under CITES regulations. The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division raided a residence in the Pracha Uthit area and seized protected wildlife listed under CITES. The animals have been sent for genetic testing to determine any connections to an international wildlife trafficking ring.
According to Thai News Agency, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division police raided a house in Soi Pracha Uthit 89, Thung Khru district, following an investigation into the arrest of a Taiwanese national for transnational wildlife trafficking. Investigations revealed the house was used as a residence and breeding ground for the animals. The search uncovered 19 Indian star tortoises (CITES-listed protected animals requiring notification) and over 100 other exotic animals that do not require notification, including Sulcata tortoises, leopard tortoises, green iguanas, black iguanas, and ball pythons.
During initial investigations, the homeowner denied ownership of the animals, claiming they belonged to his stepson who had left them with him without a permit. Authorities therefore detained the stepson for prosecution and seized the animals for genetic testing to confirm any links to international wildlife trafficking rings.