Bangkok: The Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police revealed the progress in solving the case of the theft of a "Chinese crocodile lizard" and a "tiger salamander" from Pata Zoo. The investigation stemmed from a couple allegedly trading the lizards for drugs. Further investigation revealed three outstanding arrest warrants for animal theft in three different areas.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradet Thamsuthee, Deputy Commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, revealed that officers raided and arrested a married couple in an apartment in Soi Kosum Ruamjai 14, Don Mueang area. During the search, they discovered a large number of exotic animals, including a Chinese crocodile lizard and a tiger salamander, stolen from Pata Zoo. In addition, they found many other rare and exotic animals that the suspects had stolen from various locations.
Following an investigation, two suspects were apprehended: Mr. Rai, 26, and Ms. Wari, 27. Their criminal records reveal they were involved in three previous cases: On March 20, 2016, they stole 29 turtles and one meerkat from under the victim's house (Ayutthaya Police Station area); on April 30, 2016, they stole a squirrel monkey named "Nong March," a favorite at the Pata Pinklao Zoo (Bang Khen Police Station area); and on May 1, 2016, they stole one crocodile lizard and one tiger salamander from Pata Pinklao Zoo (Bang Yi Khan Police Station area). A search of the premises yielded the following items: one squirrel monkey named "Nong March," one crocodile lizard, one tiger salamander, five pet snakes, one raccoon, one tortoise, and other pets. Several types of animals are currently under investigation.
The Narcotics Suppression Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police (NSD-BMPC) received a tip from an informant in the Don Mueang area that a married couple frequently brought animals into areas where drugs were sold. Most recently, they were seen exchanging a lizard for drugs from a distributor in the area. Following the tip, Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradet dispatched NSD-BMPC officers to investigate. They found a suspicious man and woman entering and exiting drug-infested areas in Don Mueang. Further investigation confirmed that the couple were involved in a series of animal thefts in Bangkok and surrounding areas. An arrest warrant was obtained, and they were apprehended at an unmarked residence in Soi Kamphaeng Phet 6, Soi 7, ??? 3-5. Following the arrest, further investigation revealed several stolen animals, including monkeys, squirrels, and pythons. A raid was also conducted at an apartment in Soi Kosum Ruamjai 14, Don Mueang, where the suspects were hiding the animals before selling them in various location s.
Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner, personally inspected the crime scene and interrogated the suspects. Following the inspection, he held a press conference stating that the search uncovered several animals, including Chinese crocodile lizards, tiger salamanders, squirrel monkeys, raccoons, and various exotic snakes. The suspects confessed to stealing the Chinese crocodile lizards and salamanders from Pata Zoo. They also admitted to stealing these exotic animals from various sources, including Ayutthaya province, by scouting locations before committing the thefts. Some were kept as pets due to personal preference, while others were sold for the money to purchase drugs. The suspects frequently moved their residences to avoid suspicion.
Previously, Pata Zoo's Facebook page revealed that they had filed a police report at Bang Yi Khan Police Station after a man and a woman, aged approximately 25-35, visited the zoo on the morning of May 1st. They were caught breaking into an exotic animal enclosure with their bare hands and stealing two reptiles: a Chinese crocodile lizard and a tiger salamander. They disguised the animals by stuffing them into a backpack before fleeing.