A combined sting operation by the Border Police, customs and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority netted an Israeli trying to smuggle 21 protected animals into Israel via Ben Gurion Airport on Saturday.
The reptiles were found in the suspect’s luggage as he was exiting the baggage reclaim area. He was unable to produce health certificates or import permits.
According to INPA, the attempted smuggling ran the risk of introducing disease and invasive species into the country.
The animals were handed over to the Veterinary Service and will be returned to their place of origin, while the suspect, a resident of central Israel, was taken for questioning.
In late May, a woman was caught at Ben Gurion Airport trying to smuggle dozens of snakes and other reptiles into the country, including a dangerous anaconda, one of the largest species of constricting snakes in the world.
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