Police in Bangkok say a Thai national has admitted smuggling two rare eagles infected with bird flu into Belgium.

Thai authorities say Poonsak Harnkittipongpisal was arrested Tuesday at Bangkok's international airport. He could be sentenced to three years in jail and a $1,000 fine for possessing the eagles and exporting an endangered species.

Belgian customs officials found the birds in the man's hand luggage at Brussels International Airport last month. The eagles were killed after it was determined they were suffering from bird flu.