A car carrying seven dead tigers was discovered by officials in Hanoi, leading to the arrest of key wildlife trafficking suspect, Nguyen Huu Hue, who is believed to have smuggled animals in from neighbouring Laos for years. He was arrested yesterday with two other people after the animals were discovered in their vehicle at a parking lot.

All seven tigers appeared to be cubs.

It’s not yet known if the dead tigers were wild or if they came from the many illegal tiger farms in Laos, which supply much of Asia’s demand for tiger meat and parts.

via News 18:

Tiger parts are used for traditional medicine or jewellery in Vietnam, where the once-large population of the endangered cats has dwindled dramatically.

Their bones are commonly boiled down and mixed with rice wine to make an elixir believed to treat arthritis and promote strength.

The arrest follows a record seizure in Singapore this week of nearly nine tons of ivory and a huge stash of pangolin scales destined for Vietnam.

(Photo: Pixabay)