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Israel Thwarts Wildlife Smuggling: 200 Animals Saved from Thailand Flight

Israeli customs officials made a dramatic interception at Ben Gurion Airport, stopping a massive wildlife smuggling attempt. A 24-year-old returning from Thailand tried to sneak through with approximately 200 animals in his luggage. The creatures included various turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and crabs that could have become invasive species. Authorities are now working to safely return all the surviving animals to their countries of origin while pursuing criminal charges against the suspect.

Key Points: Israel Customs Foils Smuggling of 200 Animals from Thailand

  • 24-year-old suspect from Bnei Brak attempted smuggling through airport green lane
  • Animals included turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and crabs species
  • Smuggled creatures risk carrying dangerous parasites and diseases
  • Authorities working to return all surviving animals to countries of origin
2 min read

Israel: Attempt to smuggle 200 animals from Thailand thwarted

Israeli authorities intercept 200 smuggled animals including turtles, snakes, and lizards from Thailand, preventing ecological damage and animal cruelty violations.

"These are a variety of species that may become invasive species that may endanger and harm local nature and agriculture. - Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security"

Tel Aviv, November 14

Customs inspectors at Ben Gurion Airport, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Nature and Parks Authority, thwarted an attempt to smuggle from Thailand about 200 animals of various species, including turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and crabs.

The suspect, a 24-year-old Israeli citizen from Bnei Brak who had returned from his trip to Thailand, attempted to pass with his luggage through the green lane in the passenger hall at Ben Gurion Airport, through which passage constitutes a declaration that the traveler is not carrying goods that require a customs declaration. The suspect was questioned and criminal proceedings were opened against him.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Nature and Parks Authority note that these are a variety of species that may become invasive species that may endanger and harm local nature and agriculture.

Experience shows that smuggled animals that arrive without appropriate veterinary examinations carry dangerous parasites and diseases in their bodies, and therefore most of them die within a short time of their arrival. The smuggling itself is done in difficult conditions for the animals, without food and in extreme temperatures, which is also a violation of animal cruelty laws and severe abuse of them. The Ministry of Agriculture adds that in this case, all the animals were found alive, and at this stage efforts are being made to return the animals to their countries of origin. (ANI/TPS)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Good job by the customs officials! This reminds me of similar smuggling cases we've seen in India. These invasive species can destroy local ecosystems. The suspect should face serious consequences.
R
Rohit P
Why do people do this? 200 animals! The conditions described are terrible - no food, extreme temperatures. This is pure cruelty. Hope they can successfully return all the animals to Thailand.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the authorities' efforts, I wish they'd focus more on prevention rather than just interception. Better awareness campaigns at airports and stricter penalties could deter such crimes.
V
Vikram M
This is a serious issue that affects global biodiversity. We need international cooperation to stop wildlife trafficking. India and Israel should work together on such environmental protection initiatives.
M
Michael C
The fact that most smuggled animals die shortly after arrival is devastating. People need to understand that wildlife belongs in the wild, not as exotic pets or for illegal trade.

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