United Arab Emirates
223 Live Animals Found in Abandoned Suitcase at Dubai Airport
Dubai Customs officials seized 223 live animals from an unclaimed suitcase at Dubai International Airport after a routine inspection raised concerns about the bag’s contents. The suitcase contained 129 lizards, 36 scorpions, eight snakes, and 50 frogs, all of which had been concealed inside the luggage. Authorities believe some of the species may be protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Following the seizure, Dubai Customs coordinated with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to provide care for the animals and complete the necessary veterinary, legal, and environmental procedures. The seizure highlights the role of customs authorities in detecting and disrupting the international trafficking of live wildlife.
Read moreRussia
Four-month-old Lion and Tiger Cub Seized in North Ossetia.
Russian environmental authorities and police seized a lion cub and a tiger cub in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania after the animals were found being kept under inappropriate conditions. Specialists from the North Caucasus Department of Rosprirodnadzor helped identify a suitable facility to receive the animals. The cubs were transferred to the Vladikavkaz Zoo for safekeeping while authorities determine their legal status and next steps. Rosprirodnadzor, Russia’s administrative authority for CITES, will issue the necessary documentation and make further decisions in accordance with applicable wildlife protection regulations.
Read moreIllegal Trafficking of Exotic Birds Stopped in the Orenburg Region
Russian customs officials and border guards seized more than 100 exotic birds from a minibus near Akbulak in Orenburg Region on April 3, 2026. The vehicle was traveling from Uzbekistan to Moscow Region through Kazakhstan and was carrying 93 parrots, eight Bahamas ducks, and two mountain turkeys without the required permits for transporting live animals. The parrots included African grey parrots, Banks’s black cockatoos, red-rumped parrots, and several varieties of rosellas. The driver claimed that the birds had been given to him in Tashkent for delivery to an unknown recipient in Russia. The birds were seized and transferred to a zoo in Ulyanovsk, while authorities opened a case for failure to declare the shipment and are conducting additional examinations to determine whether the species are subject to CITES regulations.
Read morePakistan
Ninety Wild Quails Seized from Illegal Traders in Rajanpur
Pakistan’s Punjab Department of Wildlife and Parks arrested 13 people in a series of operations targeting poaching and the illegal trade in wild birds. Authorities recovered 90 live quails, 12 parrots of various species, and one crane, along with 13 quail-catching nets, a firearm, ammunition, and a knife. Seven suspects were fined a combined Rs227,000, while cases were registered against six others. The operations took place across several districts, including Lahore, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. The 90 quails recovered in Rajanpur were released into the wild following a court order.
Read moreIndia
DRI Busts a Wildlife Trafficking Syndicate Involved in Illicit Trade of Ivory Artefacts
India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 54 carved ivory artifacts and arrested four suspected members of a wildlife trafficking syndicate during an operation in Lucknow on August 19, 2026. The seized items included elephant, bull, and dog figurines, human figures, scissors, combs, and other decorative objects. The suspects and artifacts were handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department for further investigation. India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits the trade and commerce of elephant ivory and products made from it, consistent with the country’s obligations under CITES. The seizure follows other DRI operations in 2026 involving elephant ivory, including the seizure of 11 kilograms of tusks in Rajasthan and additional ivory artifacts in West Bengal.
Read moreSri Lanka
Four Fishermen Arrested with Over 223.94 kg of Illegal Shark Fish
Sri Lanka Coast Guard officers arrested four fishermen on August 5, 2026, after discovering 223.94 kilograms of illegally harvested thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) meat and fins. The catch was seized during an operation conducted to enforce Sri Lanka’s fisheries regulations. The fishermen were taken into custody and are subject to further legal proceedings. The seizure forms part of ongoing Coast Guard efforts to combat illegal fishing and protect marine species in Sri Lankan waters.
Read moreThailand
White Lion Cub Without Documentation Found in Chiang Mai
Thai wildlife officials and police seized a two- to three-month-old white lion cub during a search of a property in Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai, on September 18, 2026. Authorities acted after a neighbor reported hearing animal noises and discovered the cub on the building’s second floor without a microchip or documentation authorizing its possession. The cub was transferred to Chiang Mai Night Safari for temporary care. A 40-year-old Chinese woman identified as Ms. Wang was detained and faces charges for unauthorized possession of a controlled wild animal. Authorities also found that the property had been renovated and operated as an unlicensed hotel, reportedly catering primarily to Chinese tourists. Investigators are continuing to trace the cub’s origin and determine whether others were involved in its acquisition.
Read moreLaos
Major Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Case in Bolikhamxay Province
Lao authorities detained 11 foreign nationals and seized more than 1,755 kilograms of suspected wildlife products during a raid at a resort in Bolikhamxay Province on August 16, 2026. The seizure included large quantities of ivory-like animal parts, two carcasses resembling black panthers weighing approximately 45.5 kilograms, other suspected wildlife products, and two vehicles. The operation was conducted by the Environmental Police Department in cooperation with provincial and district police. The suspects are being prosecuted under Laos’ wildlife conservation laws and Penal Code, while authorities continue investigating the origin of the seized products and their intended destinations.
Read moreMalaysia
Nine Malayan Porcupines Seized in Lanchang
Malaysian authorities seized nine Malayan porcupines (Hystrix brachyura) during a raid on a residence in Lanchang, Temerloh, on September 24, 2026. The animals were found confined in five cages, and the 54-year-old homeowner was unable to provide documentation authorizing their possession. The man reportedly told authorities that he had been trapping the porcupines for about three years as a hobby and breeding them in captivity. He also admitted to selling their meat for approximately RM150 per kilogram when requested. The porcupines and cages were transferred to the Pahang Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), while the case is being investigated under Malaysia’s Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
Read moreIndonesia
Ministry Announces Seizure of 101 Protected Birds in Medan
Indonesian forestry authorities discovered 101 protected birds being kept in cages at a house in Medan, North Sumatra, following a report from local residents. The September 14, 2026, operation found 37 blue-winged leafbirds (Chloropsis moluccensis), 42 lesser leafbirds (Chloropsis cyanopogon), and 22 Sumatra leafbirds (Chloropsis venusta). Eleven birds were found dead, while the surviving birds were taken for rehabilitation and eventual release. Authorities are investigating whether the birds are connected to a previously prosecuted wildlife-trafficking case involving the homeowner's nephew. Investigators are examining the birds' origin, intended destination, and possible involvement of others in their trafficking. Birds that were deemed fit for release were returned to the wild in Sibolangit Nature Tourism Park on September 17.
Read morePhilippines
50 Endangered Turtles Seized from Passenger Arriving from Bangkok
Philippine customs officials seized 50 live endangered tortoises from the luggage of a Malaysian passenger arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Bangkok on June 12, 2026. The animals were discovered after the passenger’s luggage was flagged during X-ray screening and a subsequent physical inspection revealed the tortoises concealed inside. The shipment included radiated tortoises and Indian star tortoises, both protected under CITES. The tortoises were documented and transferred to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for custody. The passenger was placed under Bureau of Customs custody and is facing inquest proceedings for alleged violations of the Philippines’ Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
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