330 Indian star tortoises seized at airport

Live Indian star tortoises are found in three suitcases left at Suvarnabhumi airport on Thursday. (Photo by Sutthiwit Chayutworakan)

A total of 330 Indian star tortoises hidden in three suitcases left at Suvarnabhumi airport were seized on Thursday.

Customs officials found the three suspected suitcases near the sixth baggage conveyor-belt at Suvarnabhumi airport at around 1.30am on Thursday.

The suitcases were heavy and had no luggage tags. An X-ray scan showed there were living things inside.

Wildlife officials, police and airport officials then jointly checked the suitcases and found 330 live Indian star tortoises of protected species. Nobody claimed ownership.

The tortoises, worth over one million baht, were later handed over to wildlife officials.