Exotic Animal Smuggling Attempt Foiled at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Indonesian authorities have uncovered a smuggling attempt involving 10 live exotic animals brought in from Thailand by a local passenger identified as HA.

The case was revealed at Terminal 2 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, through a joint operation by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) and Customs Office.

Barantin spokesperson Hudiansyah Is Nursal explained that the suspect was flagged after arriving on an international flight from Thailand without proper quarantine documents.

Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals hidden inside socks and tucked into elastic leggings. The seized wildlife included three marmosets, four Panama lizards, two bearded dragons, and one uromastyx lizard.

Authorities stressed that all live animals entering Indonesia must undergo quarantine procedures to ensure they are healthy and free from disease.

“We appreciate the synergy between Customs, Quarantine, and law enforcement in strengthening border surveillance,” Hudiansyah said on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Head of Banten Quarantine, Duma Sari Margaretha Harianja, noted that the concealment posed serious risks. “Such actions endanger the animals’ welfare and threaten biosecurity, as unregulated entry of wildlife can introduce pests and diseases,” she explained.

The animals have since been secured at a quarantine facility for observation and health checks. Barantin confirmed that HA has been detained and faces severe legal consequences.

The suspect is accused of violating Article 33 of Law No. 21/2019 on Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine, which requires health certificates from the country of origin and mandatory reporting to quarantine officers. If convicted, HA could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of IDR 10 billion (USD 575.458).

Officials emphasized that surveillance of animal traffic at Indonesia’s entry points will be tightened further to prevent illegal wildlife trade and the spread of animal diseases. This case underscores the country’s ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking, which threatens biodiversity, public health, and conservation efforts. ***