An Israeli man in his 20s has been charged with smuggling 186 exotic animals from Thailand through Ben Gurion Airport, according to Israeli authorities. The incident, first reported by TPS-IL news agency, unfolded when the man was flagged by customs inspectors at the airport. Despite entering the green lane for non-declaration of items, the customs officials discovered a wide range of exotic animals, including snakes, turtles, crabs, frogs, lizards, and amphibians.
The animals, estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars, were found in the man’s suitcase and were reportedly transported under harsh conditions without food and in extreme heat. Officials have since stated that all the animals were located alive, though their living conditions were questionable. The Nature and Parks Authority warns that these species could potentially become invasive, endangering local wildlife and agriculture. They have also highlighted the risks associated with smuggling animals without proper veterinary inspection, as many of these animals may carry dangerous parasites and diseases, and most are likely to perish shortly after arrival.
The man could face severe charges, including abuse and violations related to animal welfare laws. Customs authorities are working to return the animals to their countries of origin. This event follows a similar incident at the same airport earlier this year, where an individual attempted to smuggle nearly 140 exotic reptiles and arthropods. One of the snakes in that case died during the trip, according to a recent report by The Jerusalem Post. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has reiterating that wildlife smuggling and importing protected natural resources into Israel constitute severe violations of multiple laws.
Passengers are allowed to travel with certain pets, including dogs, cats, and exotic birds, in the plane cabin, as per the airport’s guidelines. However, large animals must be transported as checked baggage, and passengers must ensure their animals are approved by relevant authorities. Animals with visible signs of illness are typically denied permission to fly. This case has raised concerns about the potential ecological impact of smuggling exotic animals, and authorities stress the importance of following proper procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.