Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Belgian Customs arrest Thai Bird Smuggler A Thai man was arrested yesterday at Zaventem International Airport in Brussels, Belgium by customs officers when he was found to be smuggling live birds of prey. The Hawk Eagles (Spizaetus Nipalensis) found in his possession were apparently taken from the wild in Thailand and were to be sold on to a Belgian bird collector who had ordered these specimens. The birds were tightly bound in sheets, hidden in rattan cylinders. Wounds to the face suggest that the birds were kept in cages after being taken from the wild prior to their shipment abroad. Due to fear of bird flu from Thailand by the Belgian Authorities the birds were euthanized. It is believed that this catch is just the tip of the iceberg. On Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok and countrywide a bird of prey can be bought for only 20 US$, however the price can run into thousands of dollars when sold in Europe or the United States. Edwin Wiek Wildlife Friends Thailand Edwin.wiek 09-5461398 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.