Aranyaprathet: Soldiers arrested two suspects who were transporting 81 macaques, preparing to sell them. They were eventually apprehended in the forest and found with methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine in their vehicle. They are investigating the wildlife trafficking operation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Aranyaprathet Task Force and the 1204th Ranger Company deployed personnel to patrol the natural area of Ban Non Phatthana, Khlong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. They found a suspicious gray-black pickup truck with Nakhon Sawan license plates driving in and parking at the border. However, when the officers identified themselves to ask to inspect it, they quickly drove away.
The officers then pursued them closely until they reached Ban Khao Noi, Khlong Nam Sai Subdistrict, where they were able to intercept them. However, the driver and passenger abandoned the vehicle and ran away, jumping into a pond. However, the officers pursued them until they were able to apprehend them. Their names were known to be Mr. Suwat and Mr. Suebphong.
A search of the vehicle involved in the crime revealed 81 macaques packed in blue net bags in the back of the truck, which were being prepared to be smuggled out of Thailand. In addition, Category 1 narcotics, namely methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine, were found abandoned in the passenger compartment and in the pond, along with mobile phones.
The arresting military officers initially handed over the two suspects, along with all the seized items, to investigators at Khlong Nam Sai Police Station for legal proceedings. The 81 macaques were handed over to officials at the Aranyaprathet Wildlife Checkpoint for legal proceedings and to further investigate the transnational wildlife trafficking ring.