Couple arrested for stealing exotic zoo animals for drug money

MGR Online•Society•1d ago

Reader Briefing

A married couple has been apprehended for stealing exotic animals from Pata Zoo in Pingtong, confessing to selling the animals to fund their drug habits.

•A couple was arrested in Don Mueang for stealing exotic animals from Pata Zoo.
•The couple confessed to selling stolen exotic animals for at least 2-3 years to buy drugs.
•Police recovered a large number of exotic animals from the couple's residence in Don Mueang.
•The couple is linked to three previous theft cases involving animals.

Overview

•On May 1, 2026, a Chinese crocodile lizard and a marbled salamander were stolen from Pata Zoo.
•Two suspects, a husband and wife, were arrested at their residence in Don Mueang on May 7, 2026.
•Police searched the suspects' residence and discovered a large number of stolen exotic animals.
•The suspects confessed to stealing exotic animals for 2-3 years in order to sell them for drug money.
•The suspects chose to steal exotic animals due to personal interest and the high resale value.
•The Pata Zoo reported the theft to Bang Yi Khan Police Station.
•During the search, police found various exotic animals including marbled salamanders, raccoons, squirrel monkeys, snakes, and giant tortoises.
•The suspects were linked to three previous animal theft incidents in Ayutthaya and Bang Khen.

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Key Entities

Organization

Pata Zoo Pingtong(สวนสัตว์พาต้า ปิ่นเกล้า)

The zoo from which exotic animals were stolen.

Bang Yi Khan Police Station(สน.บางยี่ขัน)

The police station where the initial report of the zoo theft was filed.

Metropolitan Police Bureau(กองบัญชาการตำรวจนครบาล)

The police agency that led the arrest operation.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station(สภ.พระนครศรีอยุธยา)

The police station covering the area of a previous theft in Ayutthaya.

Friend Deratchan Zoo(สวนสัตว์ เพื่อน เดรัจฉาน)

A zoo from which a squirrel monkey named 'Nong March' was stolen.

Bang Khen Police Station(สน.บางเขน)

The police station where the theft of the squirrel monkey was reported.

Place

Don Mueang(ดอนเมือง)ℹ️

The district where the suspects were arrested.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya(พระนครศรีอยุธยา)ℹ️

A province where one of the previous animal theft incidents occurred.

Person

Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boon som(พล.ต.ท.สยาม บุญสม)

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, who disclosed details of the arrest.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradech Thamsutee(พล.ต.ต.ธีรเดช ธรรมสุธีร์)

Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau involved in the operation.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Pallop Aeromla(พล.ต.ต.พัลลภ แอร่มหล้า)

Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau involved in the operation.

Mr. Rairwin(นายไรวินทร์)

One of the arrested suspects, aged 26.

Ms. Warissara(น.ส.วริศรา)

One of the arrested suspects, aged 27.