December 03, 2009
AFP
CAMBODIAN authorities have seized nearly two tonnes of live rare snakes and turtles being smuggled in a boat to Vietnam and arrested two men, police said.
Authorities stopped the boat early yesterday and found 1655 kilos of snakes, mostly pythons, and 263 turtles weighing a total of 317kg, said deputy provincial police chief Chan Savouen.
Police arrested two men, aged 17 and 20, who were caught transporting the creatures along the Bassac River in southeastern Kandal province to neighbouring Vietnam, he said.
Police said some of the reptiles had been illegally hunted in Cambodia and others were thought to have been trafficked from neighbouring Thailand.
The snakes and turtles were given to a wildlife conservation group, Chan Savouen said.
The illegal wildlife trade flourishes in Cambodia, fuelled by corrupt authorities and weak legislation.
Most of the trafficked animals feed the regional demand for exotic pets or traditional medicines, although a growing number are ending up in small private zoos throughout Cambodia.
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