Surin —
On July 15th, 2024, Dom police and relevant officers in Surin arrested a couple involved in illegal wildlife trading in Sangkha, Surin, seizing two tiger cubs, and 26 units of Thai and African ivories.
Following an undercover purchase plan, the bust occurred in Sangha, Surin. According to the police, the suspects, publicly identified only as Mr. Kornrit (49) and Mrs. Manat (48) were apprehended with one pair of two-month-old tiger cubs, and large Thai and African ivories, totaling 26 pieces.
A further investigation revealed that the suspects were part of a long-standing illegal wildlife trafficking network. The operation included negotiations for eight tiger cubs, following a tip-off about the suspects selling tiger cubs and ivory on a private social media group.
Thai authorities prepared the operation, leading the suspects to transport the wildlife from Mukdahan to the agreed location. However, the alleged mastermind changed plans at the last minute, instructing the couple to deliver only two tiger cubs and some ivory instead.
The couple was detained for further legal proceedings at the Dom police station to trace the origins of the seized items.
According to the police, the suspects denied ownership of the tiger cubs and provided no evidence for the African ivory. They claimed documentation for the Thai ivory but failed to present it. Authorities will continue the investigation to identify the main culprits behind this operation.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
