Bid to smuggle exotic animals foiled, three held

The plaastic containers which contained the 58 bearded dragon which was seized by Padang Besar Border Security Agency (Aksem).(Pictures courtesy by AKSEM Padang Besar)(Captioned by photographer G.C.TAN/The Star-7th JULY 2017)

KANGAR: An attempt to smuggle 58 bearded dragon lizards and eight Sulcata tortoises into the country was foiled when the exotic animals were rescued by Padang Besar Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) at Kampung Kolam in Padang Besar.

Perlis Aksem commander Deputy Superintendent Syed Basri Syed Ali said a 36-year-old Malaysian from Klang, Selangor, and two Thai nationals were detained during a spot check at 3.30pm on Thursday.

“The Thais, a 24-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, are both from Bangkok.

In safe hands: A closeup of the Sulcata tortoises and some of the bearded dragon lizards

“We also seized a white car,” he said.

DSP Syed Basri said they believed the exotic animals were meant for a Klang-based pet shop owner.

“We are investigating how the exotic animals could have passed through the authorities at the check point.

“The seized animals have been handed over to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 69 of the Wildlife Protection Act 2010 (Act 716).

If found guilty, the suspects face a jail term up to 10 years and a fine not more than RM200,000.