On Monday, an unusual and troubling case unfolded in Brazil.
A couple was arrested after allegedly trying to kidnap monkeys from a botanical garden by drugging them.
The suspects, Luis Siqueira and Sarah Silva, reportedly intended to sell the animals on the black market.
The Drugging Scheme
According to the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, Siqueira and Silva used clonazepam-laced bananas to lure the monkeys.
They placed these drugged treats on leaves to attract the animals. The police revealed that the couple’s plan was to sell the monkeys at an illegal market.
Disturbing Discovery
On September 1, workers at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden noticed some unusual behavior in two monkeys.
Concerned, they documented the situation.
One of the videos showed a monkey struggling to stand and grab onto a branch, only to fall over due to the effects of the sedative.
Rescue and Investigation
The affected monkeys were taken to the Free Life Institute, a local organization focused on rehabilitating and releasing wildlife.
Tests confirmed the animals had been drugged, and further examination revealed that they had been nursing, suggesting their babies might have been taken away from them.
Catching the Culprits
The investigation took a turn when park surveillance footage revealed Siqueira and Silva’s suspicious activities.
Workers alerted the police, who arrived at the park and found bananas and a clonazepam package in the couple’s possession.
Legal Consequences
Siqueira and Silva now face charges for environmental crimes, with potential prison sentences ranging from three months to a year for each charge.
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