Customs officials at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv reported that an Israeli man was caught smuggling 186 exotic animals, including snakes, turtles, crabs, frogs, lizards, and other amphibians, from Thailand into the country. The man, who is in his 20s and resides in Bnei Brak, was detected by inspectors at the airport and was allegedly attempting to bypass the customs declaration process by using the green lane instead of the red lane, which requires travelers to declare their luggage.
The animals were found in a suitcase, with officials noting that they were transported in unsanitary conditions without food or water, and under extreme heat. The Israeli Tax Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Nature and Parks Authority estimated that the animals could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Officials warned that some of the species could become invasive if released into the local environment, posing a threat to both ecosystems and agriculture.
Authorities are currently working on returning the animals to their countries of origin, in accordance with the laws and protocols established to prevent such smuggling incidents. This case is not an isolated event, as Israeli customs officials recalled a similar incident in July when an individual attempted to smuggle nearly 140 exotic reptiles and arthropods into the country. In that case, one of the snakes died during the journey, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Israeli officials have emphasized that the smuggling of wildlife into the country is a serious violation of multiple laws, including those related to animal welfare, environmental protection, and customs regulations. The suspect is now facing potential charges of animal abuse and other related violations, as the law mandates strict penalties for such actions. In addition, the airport has reiterated its rules regarding the transport of pets, noting that while small animals like dogs, cats, and birds may be transported in the cabin, larger animals must be placed as checked baggage and retrieved upon arrival.
Passengers are also reminded that animals must be approved by relevant authorities, and any pets showing signs of illness may be denied entry or required to undergo additional inspections. As part of its ongoing efforts to combat wildlife smuggling, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has stated that such actions not only threaten local wildlife but also pose significant risks to public health due to the potential spread of diseases and parasites.