Inp.polri.go.id - Tangerang. The Ministry of Forestry foiled an attempt to smuggle 32 live reptiles, including protected species, by an Egyptian citizen at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Banten, while the suspect was preparing to fly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

“International airports are among the most vulnerable gateways for illegal wildlife trafficking, and any attempt to move protected species without valid documents will be processed as a criminal offense, without exception,” said Aswin Bangun, the Head of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday (13/12/205), as cited by antaranews.com.

The suspect, identified as AAEA, was detected on Monday carrying live reptiles hidden in his luggage without legal permits. Joint inspections uncovered the animals packed in small bags.

Authorities seized three protected Aru monitor lizards and other reptiles, transferred them for care, detained the suspect, and expanded the investigation to uncover possible trafficking networks.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)