Thai court jails three, including a public prosecutor, for smuggling US$1.4 million of rhino horns
- Authorities found 21 rhino horns weighing 49 kilograms, traced back to Africa where the critically endangered species is widely hunted
A public prosecutor and two Thai women were sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday after they were caught attempting to smuggle more than a dozen rhino horns worth US$1.4 million through Bangkok’s main airport last year.
The smugglers were caught with bulging bags of the contraband at Suvarnabhumi airport, accompanied by the senior justice official who tried to sneak them through customs undetected.
The trio were convicted on Tuesday of “illegally importing prohibited goods” and given four years in prison each, according to a statement from Samut Prakan provincial court where the trial took place.
The two smugglers, Thitirat Arai and Kansini Anutranusatra, fled after they were stopped by customs officials who X-rayed the bag. They were later apprehended.
Authorities found 21 rhino horns weighing 49 kilograms, traced back to Africa where the critically endangered species is widely hunted – its horn prized by quack doctors and as a status symbol in China and Vietnam.
He told officials the bag was carrying wine bottles