Thai National Smuggles Marmoset Lizards, Hiding Them in Leggings

The case was uncovered following information received by customs officials about a Thai international flight passenger suspected of carrying animals or wildlife without official quarantine documents. Acting on this tip, quarantine officers, along with relevant agencies, immediately inspected the passenger’s luggage.

“Importing animals without health guarantees from the country of origin risks spreading animal pests and diseases, which can damage ecosystems and threaten the preservation of Indonesia’s biological resources,” said the Head of the Legal and Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture, Hudiansyah Is Nursal, on Saturday (9/5/2026).

Hudiansyah stated that every import of carrier media, such as animals or wildlife, must meet quarantine requirements to ensure their health condition before entering Indonesia. “We appreciate the synergy between Customs, Quarantine, and law enforcement agencies in strengthening oversight at the country’s entry points,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of Banten Quarantine, Duma Sari, said that based on initial examinations by the Banten Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (Banten Quarantine), the animals were deliberately hidden to evade inspection by officials.

“Such actions pose significant risks to the animals’ safety as well as biosecurity and health aspects, as importing wildlife without quarantine procedures could introduce animal pests and diseases,” Duma Sari explained.

Duma added that the detained passenger is identified by the initials HA, a Thai national. All the animals are now secured at the Animal Quarantine Installation for observation, health checks, and further quarantine measures.

“Oversight of animal and carrier media traffic at the country’s entry points will continue to be tightened to prevent the entry of animal diseases or illegal wildlife trade practices,” Duma concluded.

For his actions, HA faces charges under Article 33 of Law No. 21 of 2019 on Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine for importing carrier media without a health certificate from the country of origin and failing to report and surrender it to quarantine officials. The violation carries criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp10 billion.