Overview
- Army patrols and rangers intervened in Sa Kaeo on Friday, stopping a vehicle and detaining two suspects.
- Authorities seized methamphetamine pills and crystal meth in connection with the operation.
- Counts of rescued long‑tailed macaques differ, with the army citing 81 animals and local reports describing two operations totaling 143.
- The detained men reportedly admitted involvement in a smuggling network moving macaques from Thailand to Cambodia, with police preparing animal‑protection and narcotics charges.
- Rescued animals are receiving care at a rescue station; the species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and officials suspect the trade targets traditional medicine or laboratory use.