The man, whose name was not disclosed, was found with 18 live birds inside his trouser legs and checked baggage packed in special pouches.
|
The passenger who was caught for attempting to smuggle rare birds to Taiwan on April 12, 2016. Photo credit: Tan Son Nhat Airport Customs Agency |
The Institute of Tropical Biology confirmed that 11 of the birds belonged to protected species like the white-rumped shamas (Copsychus malabaricus), oriental shamas (Copsychus saularis) and melodious laughingthrush (Garrulax canorus), all singing birds.
Customs and police are investigating.