Three people, including two Thai nationals, were arrested by the Padang Besar Border Control Agency (AKSEM) for smuggling 58 bearded dragons and eight tortoises of the sulcata species from Thailand to the country here yesterday.

Perlis AKSEM commander DSP Syed Basri Syed Ali said the seizure was made at Kampung Kolam here at 3.30 pm.

He said the seized animals comprised 58 beared dragons worth RM14,500 and eight tortoises worth RM3,600 which are protected species.

"The Thai suspects, a 28-year-old woman and a man, aged 24, brought the animals by train from Bangkok to Padang Besar to be sold to a Malaysian, aged 36, from Klang, Selangor.

"As soon as they arrive in Kampung Kolam not far from the Padang Besar train station, they were arrested while doing the transaction," he told reporters here today.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 69 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), which provides for a fine not exceeding RM200,000 or a jail term not more than 10 years or both.

AKSEM also seized a Toyota Estima vehicle worth RM110,000 and the case has been handed over to the Perlis Perhilitan Department for further action, he added.

-- BERNAMA