Monkey and Drug Trafficking

On Nov. 14 Thai police made a disturbing discovery, they rescued 143 monkeys along the border of Southeast Thailand’s Khlong Hat District.  The suspects stated that they were hired to smuggle the monkeys to Cambodia, rangers were patrolling the area when they claimed to have heard “unusual animal noises” they proceeded to investigate and discovered the monkeys. Police also found a quantity of methamphetamine, Thailand is an international hub for trafficking wildlife and is driven by its high demand for endangered species in the black markets across Asia. Smugglers use various methods to get these animals across including hiding animals in vehicles near land borders to concealing them in luggage at nearby airports. The fact that authorities also found both the monkeys and drugs indicates potential links with other crime networks.  The monkeys were transported to. A local wildlife rescue center. Monkeys are being trafficked due to their DNA ranging very similar to us humans and the illegal pet trade and they’re often moved to neighboring countries like Cambodia. Many other countries are affected by the trafficking of animals such as South America, Asia, and Europe. The authorities found 44 males and 18 females — this is not the only monkey drug case though in fact later the same day rangers were patrolling the Aranyaprathet District when two men were spotted unloading blue mesh bags and it was later discovered to be monkeys and meth being smuggled.