A 68-year-old man was yesterday arrested in Prachin Buri for his alleged involvement in an international animal smuggling syndicate busted earlier in Chumphon, the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Suppression Division (NED) said yesterday.
The suspect, identified only as Thongkhum, was arrested at his house in Muang district's tambon Noen Hom.
He was accused of possessing several protected species under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, said Pol Maj Gen Watcharin Phusit, NED commander.
Three alligators, 173 radiated tortoises, a fishing cat and a white-breasted waterhen were seized during the operation, Pol Maj Gen Watcharin said.
Thongkhum said he wasn't aware the animals found at the house were protected, and they belonged to his son, Thaweepong Jumpathong.
Pol Maj Gen Watcharin said Mr Thaweepong was one of six suspects arrested in Chumpon on May 1 over his involvement in an international animal smuggling syndicate.
The syndicate, said Pol Maj Gen Watcharin, smuggled wildlife from several African countries, in particular Madagascar, for clients in other countries.
Some of suspects sourced the lemurs in Madagascar, while others brought them into the country.
They transported the animals via Chumphon to La Ngu district in Satun before heading to Aceh, Indonesia.
Thousands of protected species, including 48 full-grown lemurs, were rescued in the earlier crackdown.
Pol Maj Gen Watcharin said lemurs are among the most popular species in the black market, with prices starting at 100,000 baht per lemur.
The price could soar to a million baht once they are sold in third countries, including Hong Kong, China, and Europe.