Bangkok: The Department of National Parks, along with local police and military forces, conducted a significant raid in Kaeng Krachan National Park, uncovering illegal firearms, animal traps, and drugs. This operation led to the arrest of individuals involved in poaching and illegal activities in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, Chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, spearheaded the operation with support from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and local law enforcement. The raid targeted plots of land within the national park that were suspected of being used for illegal hunting activities, following a tip-off about two gaurs being hunted for sale.
During the inspection, authorities discovered a cache of illegal firearms, including M16 rifles, .22 rifles, and a variety of ammunition. They also found equipment used for trapping animals, such as slings, trap cages, and animal snares. Additionally, officers seized methamphetamine pills and various animal carcasses, including those of barking deer, wild boar, and civets.
The investigation revealed that the land, which was legally granted for farming, was being rented out for hunting purposes. This contravenes several sections of the National Park Act 2019, the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, and the Firearms Act. The offenders now face multiple charges, including illegal possession of firearms, hunting protected wildlife, and drug possession under the Narcotics Act.
Mr. Mongkol emphasized the seriousness of these violations, highlighting that the operation aimed to enforce national park regulations and protect wildlife from illegal hunting activities. The arrested individuals are now subject to legal proceedings, with the authorities determined to curb such illegal activities in the region.