Husband and Wife Thieves Arrested for Stealing Iguana from Pata Zoo; Found Exchanging Animals and Squirrels for Drugs
A husband and wife were arrested for stealing animals from Bangkok zoos, including an iguana and salamander from Pata Zoo, and trading them for drugs in Don Mueang.
On February 6, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma authorized a multi-agency operation led by Metropolitan Police Bureau officials to arrest two suspects: 26-year-old Sai and 27-year-old Wari, both charged with theft and property damage involving vehicles.
Investigation revealed the couple had committed three major theft incidents: On March 20, 2024, they stole items from under a house in Ayutthaya; on April 30, 2024, they stole a squirrel monkey named "March" from Sawasdee Park Zoo, a beloved mascot of the facility; and on May 1, 2024, they stole one crocodile monitor lizard and one tiger-striped salamander from Pata Zoo.
Police recovered the squirrel monkey "March," one crocodile monitor lizard, one tiger-striped salamander, five pet snakes, one raccoon, one tortoise, and various other animals still under investigation.
The investigation began when narcotics suppression officers received a tip from informants in Don Mueang that a couple was frequently bringing animals into drug trafficking areas, recently seen trading an iguana for narcotics. After confirming the suspects' identities and criminal history of serial animal theft across Bangkok and its suburbs, officers tracked them to their residence.
Detailed investigation showed the couple stole the squirrel monkey "March" from Sawasdee Park Zoo on April 30, 2024, and the iguana and salamander from Pata Zoo on May 1, 2024. Officers raided their apartment in Don Mueang where animals were hidden pending sale in various locations.
Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Theeradej Tharmsuthee stated: "These crimes extend beyond simple animal theft; they involve drug-related activities posing broader societal threats. Officers must urgently expand investigations into both the animal theft network and connected drug trafficking routes for legal prosecution."
