Hundreds of smuggled turtles discovered in airport luggage

Gharials – a type of crocodile native to India – and Indian star tortoises and roofed turtles were among the endangered species found in the luggage which was being smuggled into Bangkok airport.

Customs Department Director-General Prasong Poontaneat said many of the reptiles found are banned from international trade.

They were discovered when an Indian traveller arriving from Bangladesh failed to retrieve his bags.

Mr Prasong said the animals would be held for evidence and taken care of by wildlife officials.

Thailand is a hub for the illegal wildlife trade and it is believed the animals were destined for sale in markets in Bangkok.

A smuggling attempt thwarted last month involved two leopards, two panthers, an Asiatic black bear and two macaque monkeys – all juveniles about the size of puppies.

Meanwhile, a male leopard seized from animal traffickers has been stolen from a zoo in Paraguay where authorities had housed it for safe keeping.

Zoo director Carlos Miranda said the eight-year-old leopard is very attractive and of a good size and that could make its pelt worth up to $10,000 on the black market.