A smuggled Komodo dragon (left) and a snake hidden in a cigarette box. - Photo: Incheon Airport Customs
INCHEON, (South Korea): A smuggling ring attempting to secretly bring endangered exotic species, including the Komodo dragon, into South Korea was apprehended by customs authorities.
The group wrapped a young Komodo dragon, measuring about 50cm (19.6 inches), in cloth and concealed it in underwear. Baby snakes were also curled up and hidden in cigarette boxes.
Incheon Airport Customs announced on Thursday (Nov 14) that 14 individuals, including suspects identified as A and B, were referred to prosecutors without detention for violating customs laws.
Since July 2022, these suspects are alleged to have smuggled 1,865 exotic animals, valued at around 1.9 billion won (US$1.5 million), from countries like Thailand and Indonesia.
The smuggled species included lizards, turtles, snakes, scorpions, and insects, some of which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Among the animals were Komodo dragons, Burmese star tortoises, emerald tree boas and Yangtze alligators – rare species valued from millions to tens of millions of won each.
Incheon Airport Customs noted this was the first seizure of a Komodo dragon, which can grow over three metres (9.8 feet) as an adult, being smuggled into South Korea.
The primary suspects recruited acquaintances as couriers, offering free overseas trips in exchange.
The smugglers concealed animals in various containers, such as underwear, instant noodle cups and cigarette packs to evade detection.
The Komodo dragon was smuggled from Thailand by wrapping a 50–60cm juvenile in cloth and hiding it in underwear to bypass local inspections.
The smuggled animals were sold online or handed over to specialised reptile dealers for significant profit.
For example, a Burmese star tortoise bought in Thailand for about 300,000 won was resold in South Korea for 4 million won, yielding a twelvefold profit.
One of the suspects, B, who operates an aquarium, smuggled three Komodo dragons with the intent of displaying them and even forged import documents to apply for legal import approval from the ministry of environment. This application was subsequently denied.
An Incheon Airport Customs official said: “The live animals seized, including two Komodo dragons, have been transferred to the National Institute of Ecology for protection.
Smuggling exotic species disrupts ecosystems and poses a threat to public safety. We plan to intensify border controls to prevent such serious crimes.” - The Korea Times via South China Morning Post
[This story was first published by The Korea Times]
