21yo Man Nabbed at KLIA for Trying to Smuggle Live Animals in Luggage, Including Gibbon & Turtles Worth RM12k

A 21-year-old Indian national got caught trying to smuggle wildlife through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last Sunday (April 20).

According to Harian Metro, he was believed to be used as a smuggling mule and was arrested around 10 PM, thanks to the quick action by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and the KLIA Auxiliary Police.

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The seized animals were worth RM12.2k

Perhilitan’s Director-General, Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, said the suspect was caught while trying to catch a flight to Tiruchirapalli, India.

He added that upon inspecting the man’s luggage, they found a Black-Handed Gibbon and 6 Red-Eared Slider turtles hidden inside.

“The suspect failed to produce any valid documents authorising the possession of the wildlife, and the seized animals are estimated to be worth RM12,200,” he said.

He was hired to smuggle the animals

Abdul Kadir added that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had been hired to smuggle the animals out of Malaysia by concealing them in his luggage.

He also stated that Perhilitan is committed to combating wildlife crimes to ensure the sustainability of the country’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

The individual is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686).

The public is urged to report any information related to such smuggling activities to the authorities for further action.

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Also read: M’sian Datuk Seri Extradited To The US To Face Wildlife Smuggling & Money Laundering Charges