Man trying to smuggle 18 monkeys arrested in Mexico
By IANSTuesday, July 20, 2010
Mexico City, July 21 (IANS/EFE) A man carrying 18 monkeys in a belt under his shirt was arrested at the Mexico City airport, authorities said.
The 38-year-old suspect, who arrived on a flight from Lima, Peru, had wrapped the monkeys in coloured mesh, killing two of the animals.
Officers noticed bulges under the man’s clothing and became suspicious.
Titi monkeys are a protected species under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, and a permit is required to obtain and possess the animals, the Public Safety Secretariat said.
The suspect and the monkeys were turned over to the Profepa federal environmental protection agency.
Mexican officials periodically conduct operations targeting animal smugglers at the capital’s airport.
–IANS/EFE
