Man Tries to Smuggle Dozens of Rare Creatures

A smuggler at Thailand airport was caught before boarding an airplane with dozens of wildlife, three of which including snakes, squirrels, and tortoises. The animals were stuffed into three suitcases with no means of survival. The man was stopped at the airport by Traffic, an organization that aims to stopping trafficking of creatures. While the purpose of the animals is unknown, the smuggler was attempting to leave the country but was stopped during the regular baggage checking procedures. Once the animals were taken, the organization found 88 Indian star tortoises, 33 elongated tortoises, seven radiated tortoises, six Mata Mata tortoises, four Southeast Asian narrow headed soft shell turtles, and many more, including the world's rarest tortoise. Questions have been raised after the incident since the country is claiming to be making effective movements towards illegal wild life trade. The man charged has now been taken into custody and faces wildlife smuggling charges.

http://articles.cnn.com/2011-02-10/world/thailand.wildlife.smuggling_1_tortoises-aldabra-snakes?_s=PM:WORLD