Turkish Customs Bust Exotic Animal Smuggling Ring

Turkish customs officials uncovered an attempt to smuggle dozens of exotic animals from Greece in a sedan. The animals included kangaroos, alpacas, parrots, flying squirrels, and a Patagonian mara. The driver was detained, and the animals were sent to the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.

Turkish customs officials in the northwestern city of Edirne discovered dozens of exotic animals being smuggled into Turkiye from Greece.

State-run Anadolu Agency reported that a mid-sized sedan with Greek license plates was carrying three kangaroos, three alpacas, one Patagonian mara, 12 parrots, and 23 flying squirrels. The animals were mostly juveniles.

Photos from the scene showed the larger animals bound and squeezed together in tight confinement, while smaller animals were packed in cages.

The private Demiroren News Agency identified the driver of the vehicle as Yuksel D., who has been detained by authorities.

All the animals survived and will be transferred to the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.

(With inputs from agencies.)