In a tale of serpentine intrigue at Ben Gurion Airport, police detectives from the 747th unit unearthed 60 snakes and several monitor lizards tucked away in luggage arriving from Germany. The reptiles, now under the care of Nature and Parks Authority inspectors and veterinary services, were part of an audacious smuggling attempt by a suspect hailing from central Israel.
Caught with snakes
(Photo: Nature and Parks Authority)
During a routine operation at Terminal 3, detectives requested the suspect to open his suitcase, revealing a cache of bags teeming with various snake species he aimed to smuggle into the country. Experts quickly assessed the haul, estimating its value at tens of thousands of shekels.
The Nature and Parks Authority explained that smuggling wildlife and protected natural assets into Israel constitutes severe violations of numerous laws, including animal cruelty, endangering public health by introducing zoonotic diseases and parasites, customs violations and money laundering, not to mention harm to wildlife. Such acts risk introducing invasive species that can wreak havoc on local ecosystems and cause substantial agricultural damage.
Authorities, including the Nature and Parks Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, Israel Police and customs, are committed to thwarting similar transgressions and will rigorously pursue offenders to uphold the law.