Kuala Lumpur - Officers from Malaysia's Wildlife Department seized more than 800 turtles and 160 protected snakes from being smuggled into a neighboring country, news report said Sunday. Northern Perlis state Wildlife Department spokesperson Masnim Abdullah said customs officers near the Thai border on Saturday found the reptiles smuggled on a truck under 2.3 tons of garlic, meant to mask their smell.
Among the animals found were 160 king cobras and 814 turtles, including the protected Malaysian box turtle, the Star daily reported.
Masnim said the suspect, a Thai national driving the truck, was held for investigation and if found guilty of smuggling, face charges that carry a maximum three-year prison term.
Malaysia has many wildlife reserves and national parks, and wildlife authorities often have their hands full trying to stop illegal poaching and smuggling of endangered animals.
