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Truck carrying tiger skins stopped from leaving Thai temple

A tiger peers through the bars of its cage at the Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Tiger Temple on June 1, 2016 in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. Wildlife authorities in Thailand raided a Buddhist temple in Kanchanaburi province where 137 tigers were kept, following accusations the monks were illegally breeding and trafficking endangered animals. Forty of the 137 tigers were rescued by Tuesday from the country's infamous 'Tiger Temple' despite opposition from the temple authorities.
A tiger peers through the bars of its cage at the Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Tiger Temple on June 1, 2016 in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. Wildlife authorities in Thailand raided a Buddhist temple in Kanchanaburi province where 137 tigers were kept, following accusations the monks were illegally breeding and trafficking endangered animals. Forty of the 137 tigers were rescued by Tuesday from the country's infamous 'Tiger Temple' despite opposition from the temple authorities. Dario Pignatelli/Getty Images

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.

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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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