Israeli customs authorities have detained a man attempting to smuggle 186 exotic animals from Thailand into Israel through Ben Gurion Airport. The incident, reported by Israel’s TPS-IL news agency, involved a man in his 20s from Bnei Brak, who was flagged during a routine customs check. The animals, which included snakes, turtles, crabs, frogs, lizards, and other amphibians, were discovered in his suitcase and found alive but in poor conditions. Officials have warned that these animals, which could be worth tens of thousands of dollars, pose a significant threat to Israel’s ecosystem and public health due to potential invasive species risks and disease transmission.
The suspect may be charged with severe animal cruelty and violations of wildlife protection laws, as the transportation of the animals under harsh conditions without food or proper veterinary care is considered a serious violation. According to the Israeli Tax Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, and Nature and Parks Authority, the animals were estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars. The authorities are currently working to return the animals to their countries of origin, as per legal requirements. This incident follows a similar case in July 2024, where a traveler was caught attempting to smuggle nearly 140 reptiles and arthropods into Israel, with one of the snakes dying during the journey.
Customs officials have also emphasized the importance of proper documentation and veterinary inspections when traveling with pets. Passengers are allowed to bring dogs, cats, and exotic birds in the cabin, while larger animals must be transported as checked baggage. However, animals with visible signs of illness may be denied entry. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has previously stated that wildlife smuggling constitutes a severe violation of multiple laws, highlighting the potential ecological and health risks associated with such activities. This case underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing illegal wildlife trafficking and the importance of strict enforcement of international animal import regulations.