Porcupines among 109 live animals smuggled in 2 suitcases discovered at Bangkok airport

• Authorities at Bangkok's airport found at least 109 live animals packed into two suitcases.
• Two women have been arrested and charged with violations of wildlife, animal disease and customs regulations.

Two women were arrested in an airport in Bangkok, Thailand after authorities found at least 109 live animals packed into two suitcases.

The animals included 50 chameleons, 35 turtles, 20 snakes, two armadillos, and two white porcupines, according to Thailand's Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

At least two of the animals were dead, and many were dehydrated, according to The Washington Post.

Authorities made the discovery during a routine X-ray inspection at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday night, The Bangkok Post reported.

The two women, Nithya Raja, 38, and Zakia Sulthana Ebrahim, 24, were attempting to travel to Chennai, India, with the animals in their baggage.

They were arrested and charged with violations of wildlife, animal disease, and customs regulations, the paper reported.

Illegal wildlife trafficking is rife in Thailand, with the country being a major transit hub for smugglers. Animal trafficking is one of the most lucrative illegal activities in the world.

A report from the UN warned last year that wildlife trafficking in southeast Asia was likely to increase following a drastic reduction due to restrictions during the pandemic.