[Vietnamization: Koh Thom, Criminal elements] Vietnam-Bound Ferrets Rescued

In September, 340 kilograms of snakes and tortoises destined for Vietnam were rescued at the same border checkpoint and later released into the wild. In June, more than 800 kilograms of turtles and snakes, including pythons and non-venomous species, also destined for Vietnam were rescued and either released into the wild or sent to a wildlife center.

The caged ferrets after being rescued by customs officials.

Vietnam-Bound Ferrets Rescued

Khmer Times | 21 October 2016

Custom officials seized 35 live ferrets weighing about 80 kilograms in Kandal province after a group of smugglers prepared to transport them to Vietnam by boat, authorities said yesterday.

Muong Dara, the customs chief at the Chrey Thom International Checkpoint, said his officials found the ferrets near the river in Koh Thom district’s Sampov Poun commune.

He said the smugglers transported them by car and left them in cages near the river in order to smuggle into Vietnam. “We have a network of undercover officials,” he said, adding that he handed the ferrets to conservation group Wildlife Alliance to be released into the wild.

An official at Wildlife Alliance, who asked not to be named, said he freed the animals into Bokor National Park yesterday.
 

In September, 340 kilograms of snakes and tortoises destined for Vietnam were rescued at the same border checkpoint and later released into the wild.
 

In June, more than 800 kilograms of turtles and snakes, including pythons and non-venomous species, also destined for Vietnam were rescued and either released into the wild or sent to a wildlife center.