More than 200 live wild animals, including 14 white lions, monkeys and a leopard in a box have been found by Thai police during a raid on a house in Bangkok.
Two Thai men, including the owner of a pet shop at the city’s popular Chatuchak market, were charged with illegal wildlife trading. If convicted they face up to four years in jail and a 40,000 baht (£840) fine.
“We received a complaint about the smell from the neighbours and after investigating we discovered the animals hidden there,” Police Colonel Ek Ekasart said.
He said the lions were believed to have been brought into the country using permits for sales to zoos, but instead offered to private buyers.
Hundreds of birds, meerkats, tortoises, peafowls, capuchin monkeys and other species from Thailand and abroad were found. A hornbill and a leopard, both protected by Thai law, were also found packed in a box and were scheduled to be delivered to clients on Monday.
The two suspects deny involvement in illegal wildlife trade. One was found guilty of the same charge four years ago.
Once the legal process is completed, some of the animals could be released into the wild and others sent to zoos, police said.
Thailand has a reputation as a hub of international wildlife smuggling to feed strong demand in Asia for unusual pets and traditional medicines made from animal parts.
