A Pakistani national identified as Mustafa Ali has been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok following the discovery of 470 black pond turtles in his four suitcases.
This incident occurred on November 8, the day after 423 Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) and 52 black pond turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) were found in two unclaimed suitcases at the same airport. The Indian star tortoise is listed under CITES Appendix II, which allows for controlled trade only with appropriate permits and the black pond turtle is listed under CITES Appendix I, which means international trade in these species for commercial purposes is prohibited.
The black pond turtle is native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Ali arrived in Bangkok from Lahore, Pakistan, on Thai Airways International flight TG346.
Dr. Chris Shepherd, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, notes that “the number of turtles and tortoises coming out of South Asia is skyrocketing, especially with regard to the black pond turtle” and that Thailand is a “globally significant trade hub” for turtles and tortoises. He explained that traffickers are operating without fear of prosecution.
“Few, if any, significant traders or kingpins in the tortoise and turtle racket have been penalized.”
Authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport are said to have tightened security following the latest smuggling incidents.
![Over 400 Smuggled Tortoises Found in Suitcases at Thai Airport [Updated]](https://annamiticus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Astrochelys_radiata_Aquarium_Berlin_2010-150x150.jpg)
Rhishja Cota
I am the founder of Annamiticus and I have been researching and writing about wildlife trafficking issues since 2009. I also founded World Pangolin Day in 2012. I am the author of USAID Wildlife Asia's Pangolin Species Identification Guide: A Rapid Assessment Tool for Field and Desk. I co-facilitated and was a presenter at the USAID Wildlife Asia Pangolin Care Workshop. At the 4th Regional Dialogue on Combating Trafficking of Wild Fauna and Flora, I facilitated the species roundtables on pangolins. I have trekked with forest rangers in Cambodia, journeyed to the streets of Hanoi to research the illegal wildlife trade, and to the rainforests of Sumatra and Java to document the world’s rarest rhinos. At CITES meetings, I collaborate with colleagues from around the world to lobby in favor of protecting endangered species. I hosted the Behind the Schemes podcast and am the author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine. I enjoy music, desert gardening, herping, reading, creating, and walking with my dogs. Check out my t-shirts and stickers at snoots + teefers.