Three Thai nationals were arrested at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, accused of smuggling 12 endangered Galápagos marine iguanas. Discovered during routine baggage inspections on May 19, the reptiles were hidden in their luggage, with K9 units aiding in the detection. One iguana was dead, and the remaining 11 were found tied up and injured.
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These iguanas, native solely to the Galápagos Islands, are known for their rare ability to dive underwater for food and are a protected species. The suspects, whose identities remain undisclosed, were set to fly to another Asian destination. Ecuadorian authorities are holding them pending legal proceedings, as smuggling protected wildlife can result in sentences up to three years in prison.
The incident has spurred ongoing investigations into the smuggling ring, focusing on the transportation methods used from the Galápagos and potential security bypasses prior to the airport. Officials are determined to uncover more details about the network involved in trafficking these rare creatures.
Looking forward, Ecuador's continued crackdown on wildlife trafficking emphasizes the need for global cooperation in protecting endangered species. The case brings attention to the vulnerabilities in international wildlife protection enforcement.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 21 May 2026
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