BANGKOK — Authorities in Thailand have returned over a hundred baby tortoises, primarily deceased, to their native Tanzania as part of an investigation into a wildlife trafficking operation, according to recent reports from Interpol.

The batch of 116 tortoises, most of which were found dead, was initially discovered concealed in the luggage of a Ukrainian woman at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok more than two years ago. Despite the passing of time, 98 of these tortoises have died, but all were officially handed over on Thursday during a ceremony attended by officials from both Thailand and Tanzania. The reason behind the tortoises’ deaths has not been disclosed.

This group included several endangered and vulnerable species, such as pancake tortoises, radiated tortoises, and Aldabra giant tortoises, all of which are under the protection of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The illegal capture of tortoises from their natural environments for selling as exotic pets is a common occurrence.

The individual implicated in the smuggling fled Thailand but was later apprehended in Bulgaria. Her capture allowed authorities to uncover a more extensive network involved in wildlife trafficking, leading to the arrest of 14 other individuals with the collaboration of Thai and Tanzanian law enforcement, alongside Interpol agents.

The surviving tortoises are set to undergo a quarantine period during which specialists will evaluate their condition to determine if they can eventually be reintroduced into their natural habitats.

Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, Cyril Gout, highlighted the grave nature of wildlife trafficking, emphasizing its adverse impacts on ecosystems and communities while simultaneously benefiting organized crime syndicates.

According to estimates from Interpol in 2023, the illega wildlife trade and poaching represent a market valued at approximately $20 billion each year. This illegal activity has become a key area for organized crime, increasingly intertwined with issues of armed violence, corruption, and various other criminal endeavors.

Thailand remains a significant center for wildlife trade. In May of the previous year, approximately 48 lemurs and over 900 tortoises originating from Madagascar were confiscated in Thailand’s southern Chumporn province after traveling through Indonesia. These animals were successfully returned to their home country by the end of last year.