81 live star tortoises were found in the luggage of an Indian traveler at Bangkok airport (Thailand).
Posted at 2:45 p.m.
The turtles which are worth around 810,000 baht (US$22,619) have been transferred to the National Park Department of Fauna and Flora for treatment.
Thailand is a major hub for smugglers, with animals often destined for Vietnam or China, where they are used in traditional medicine.
The turtles were found in a bag of an Indian passenger arriving from Chennai. The man could be charged with violating the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, the Animal Epidemics Act and the Customs Act.
Two Indian women were also arrested at the airport trying to smuggle more than 100 live animals including armadillos, porcupines and snakes on Sunday June 26.