Couple arrested over stealing rare exotic animals from mall zoo 'to sell for drug money'
A couple were arrested for stealing rare exotic animals from a mall zoo to allegedly sell for drug money.
Raiwin, 26, and Warisara, 27, were said to have broken into the exotic animal exhibit to steal valuable reptiles from the Pata Zoo in Bangkok on May 1.
The pair allegedly carried out the theft while zookeepers were distracted by the busy morning rush at around 10:40 am local time.
They reportedly stole a Chinese crocodile lizard and a tiger salamander, stuffing them into their jackets before fleeing.
Staff said they were seen entering the zoo with a blue pet carrier containing a baby monkey inside.
Police launched a probe following a tip-off that the couple were seen delivering wildlife into a notorious drug hub in the Don Mueang district.
Investigators traced the pair them and raided their home on Soi Kamphaeng Phet 6, on May 7. They found the hapless animals kept in tiny cages inside the cramped apartment.
Officers recovered from the scene a Chinese crocodile lizard, a tiger salamander, five pet snakes, a raccoon, a tortoise, and Nong March - a squirrel monkey stolen from the Peuan Deratchan Mini Zoo in Bangkok on April 30.
Further investigations led to an apartment on Soi Kosum Ruamjai 14, allegedly used as a storage room to keep the animals.
Raiwin, 26, and Warisara, 27, were both charged with 'jointly committing theft by breaking through obstacles and using a vehicle.'
They claimed they needed money for drugs.
The suspects were also linked to the theft of Nong March, and of 29 turtles and a meerkat from a house basement in Ayutthaya on March 20.
Police Major General Theeradej Thamsuthee said the case was not merely an animal theft investigation, but was also linked to narcotics.
He said: ‘We will urgently expand the investigation into both the animal theft network and potential drug trafficking routes that may be connected in order to proceed with legal action.'
Thailand is a major transit hub for animal trafficking. With its porous borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, the country is a key route for smuggled wildlife across Southeast Asia.
