BANGKOK – Thai police say they stopped a truck carrying two tiger skins and other animal parts as it was leaving a Buddhist temple where monks have been accused of being involved in illegal wildlife trafficking.
Police Col. Bandith Meungsukhum said Thursday that two temple staff members in the truck were arrested and charged with possession of illegal wildlife. He said a monk travelling with them will be arrested once he is defrocked.
READ MORE: ‘Tiger temple’ in Thailand raided, 40 dead cubs found in freezer
The discovery comes a day after 40 dead tiger cubs were found in a freezer at the temple.
Authorities this week have been transferring the temple’s 137 tigers to animal shelters after obtaining a court order.
The temple is a popular tourist attraction that charged admission for visitors to take photos with tigers.
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