A woman was released by Kampong Thom Provincial Court after throwing herself at its mercy after being detained for wildlife trafficking.

Military police arrested her on Friday evening on charges of trafficking three ferrets. Under questioning, the woman claimed she bought the animals to make money for her poverty-stricken family.

She added that she would sooner die than lose the creatures and fail to support her children.

After she explained her plight, authorities decided the ferrets would be bought for $100, and ordered both the woman and her furry friends to be released.

KOH SANTEPHEAP