Nearly 100 of the rare scaly anteaters, worth about £20,000, were found in a truck bound for Vietnam or China

This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

Authorities in Thailand have rescued nearly 100 endangered pangolins worth about $32,000 (£20,000) that they said were to be sold and eaten outside the country.

Head of customs, Prasong Poontaneat, said the anteaters were seized from a truck on Sunday evening in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan after a driver fled a checkpoint.

Prasong said the driver was detained.

He believed the mammals might have come from Malaysia or Indonesia and were en route to either Vietnam or China, where many believe pangolins can cure ailments and boost sexual prowess.

The animals are protected by a convention on international trade in endangered species, of which Thailand is a member.