Three Thai nationals were arrested in Ecuador on suspicion of wildlife trafficking. The arrests took place on May 19, 2026, at the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil.
During the operation, Ecuadorian National Police seized 12 marine iguanas, a species endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The reptiles were reportedly found stuffed inside handbags, with their legs bound tightly.
One of the iguanas was discovered dead upon discovery, underscoring the cruel nature of such smuggling attempts. This incident highlights the persistent challenges in protecting unique and vulnerable wildlife from illegal trafficking networks.
Source: Mongabay