An Israeli man has been arrested for smuggling 186 exotic animals from Thailand through Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Customs officials intercepted the suspect’s suitcase during the arrival process, discovering an array of species including snakes, turtles, crabs, frogs, lizards, and other amphibians. The individual, a man in his 20s from Bnei Brak, was flagged for using the green lane during customs clearance, which is intended for travelers without declared items.
The animals, estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars, were found in poor conditions with no food or water. Officials have stated that these creatures were transported under harsh conditions without proper care, which could result in severe suffering for the animals. The suspect faces potential charges of animal abuse and violations of animal welfare laws, as the act of smuggling exotic animals is a serious offense in Israel.
The Israeli Nature and Parks Authority has emphasized that wildlife smuggling poses a significant threat to local ecosystems. They have previously warned that imported animals, if not properly controlled, could become invasive species and disrupt the balance of the existing wildlife. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing animal welfare and environmental protection laws, as well as the difficulties in tracking and preventing the illegal trade of exotic animals.
In a similar incident reported in July at the same airport, an individual attempted to smuggle nearly 140 exotic reptiles and arthropods into the country. During this incident, one of the snakes died during the journey, underscoring the risks of transporting such animals without proper care. The Israeli government has reiterated that such actions undermine both ecological and legal standards, and authorities are working to repatriate the animals to their countries of origin.