Teen caught smuggling 30 tortoises taped under clothes at Bangkok airport

Thai authorities arrested a 19-year-old Taiwanese woman at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport after finding 30 Indian star tortoises taped to her body, 29 alive and one dead, valued at about $9,000. She allegedly used adhesive tape to immobilize the tortoises, packed them in cloth bags, and strapped them under her clothing to evade detection while preparing to fly to Taipei. Wildlife officials said the tortoises are protected under CITES and classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, with high demand on the black market for exotic pets. The woman faces charges of illegally transporting animals and evading customs controls, and officials are investigating whether she is part of a larger smuggling network. The surviving tortoises have been handed to wildlife conservation officials for care and as evidence.

This matters because wildlife trafficking is a global crime that often uses Africa as a source or transit point, and Nigeria has seen seizures of pangolin scales, ivory, and reptiles. Awareness of how smugglers conceal animals can help citizens spot and report suspicious activity, protecting endangered species and upholding the law.

If you encounter unusual luggage, strange odors, or people acting nervously with bags at airports or borders, consider reporting it to Nigeria Customs Service (09-461-5555) or the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Staying informed and vigilant helps disrupt these illegal networks.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/30/teen-with-30-tortoises-under-clothes-nabbed-at-thai-airport/