ANIMAL KINGDOM : Rare Reptiles Found in Suitcase

BANGKOK, Thailand —  A Japanese merchant has been arrested for trying to smuggle nearly 300 protected lizards and turtles to Tokyo in suitcases, many with their mouths taped shut, authorities said today.

The Wildlife Division statement said Tsuyoshi Shirawa was arrested Sunday night while preparing to board a flight to Tokyo.

Wildlife officials found 283 reptiles crammed into four of his suitcases. All were rare species protected by Thai law, the statement said.

Most had their mouths taped shut to prevent them from making noise, the statement said.

The reptiles included 185 “giant” lizards, three “spiny hill” turtles, 50 “elongated” tortoises, 27 “big-headed” turtles and 18 “giant yellow” tortoises.

Two turtles and one lizard died at the airport.