Authorities Thwart Exotic Wildlife Smuggling Attempt from Thailand

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - In a coordinated sting at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, West Java, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin), alongside Customs and Excise and law enforcement officials, successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle live exotic animals from Thailand.

The operation, which took place on Friday, May 8, 2026, highlights the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trafficking through major transit hubs.

The discovery was made at Terminal 2 after Customs officers flagged a suspicious passenger arriving on an international flight. Upon further inspection by quarantine officials, a startling discovery was made: the passenger had hidden several live animals inside socks, which were then tucked into elastic leggings worn under their clothing.

The seized animals included a variety of exotic species, some of which are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade. The cargo consisted of three marmosets, which are a species of small monkey, along with four Panama lizards. Additionally, officials discovered two bearded dragons and one uromastyx lizard hidden among the suspect's belongings.

Head of the Banten Quarantine Agency, Duma Sari, noted that the animals were intentionally concealed to bypass mandatory inspections. Such methods, she warned, pose severe risks to the animals' welfare and threaten Indonesia's biosecurity. "The entry of animals without quarantine procedures has the potential to bring in pests and animal diseases," Duma explained.

The suspect, an Indonesian national identified by the initials HA, is currently under investigation. Under Law No. 21 /2019 concerning Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine, the illegal importation of biological media without health certificates or proper reporting is a serious offense.

Head of Barantin’s Legal and Public Relations Bureau, Hudiansyah Is Nursal, emphasized that the unauthorized entry of these animals could devastate local ecosystems. "Introducing animals without health guarantees from the country of origin can spread diseases and threaten the sustainability of Indonesia’s biological resources," he said on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

If convicted, HA faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to IDR 10 billion (USD 617,284).

The confiscated wildlife has been moved to the Animal Quarantine Installation for observation and health screenings. Authorities praised the synergy between agencies that led to the successful interception, noting that surveillance at the country's entry points remains high.

Barantin continues to urge the public to comply with quarantine regulations when transporting animals, plants, or their derivatives from abroad. Following these protocols is essential for protecting Indonesia's natural heritage and public health. (Naura Sofia/EN)