Man smuggles nearly 200 exotic animals stuffed in his luggage: See the wild photos

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An Israeli man arriving in Tel Aviv from Thailand was reportedly caught with 186 exotic animals in his suitcase.

The suspect, a man in his 20s from Bnei Brak, was flagged by customs inspectors at Ben Gurion Airport (BGA), according to Israeli authorities and as first reported by Israel’s TPS-IL news agency Thursday.The news appears on the government’s customs and immigration website.

The man was allegedly smugglingsnakes, turtles, crabs, frogs, lizards and other amphibians.

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While going through customs, the individual allegedly entered the green lane, as opposed to the red lane where travelers must declare items.

The seized animalsare estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars, according to the Israeli Tax Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Nature and Parks Authority.

exotic reptiles smuggled illegally in israel

A man reportedly tried to smuggle 186 exotic animals into Israel and was caught red-handed. (Israel Tax Authority/TPS-IL)

While all the animals were located alive, officials said the creatures were transported under harsh conditions without food and in extreme heat.

While all the animals were located alive, officials said the creatures were transported under harsh conditions without food and in extreme heat.(Israel Tax Authority/TPS-IL)

“These are various species thatcould become invasiveand pose a threat to local wildlife and agriculture,” officials said.

proper veterinary inspectionoften carry dangerous parasites and diseases, and most die shortly after arrival,” they added.

exotic snake smuggled illegally in israel

The animals are estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.(Israel Tax Authority/TPS-IL)

Passengers cantravel with dogs,cats and exotic birds in the plane cabin, according to BGA.

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“In certain instances, [large] animals must be transported as checked baggage,” according to the airport’s website.

A man was caught smuggling snakes, turtles, crabs, frogs, lizards and other amphibians in his luggage.(Israel Tax Authority/TPS-IL)

“In this case, you must send off the animal at the check-in counter,” says BGA.

“Upon landing, you will retrieve your animal in the Arrivals Hall.”

“These are various species that could become invasive and pose a threat to local wildlife and agriculture,” said officials. (Israel Tax Authority/TPS-IL)

All pets must be approved by relevant authorities, and animals with visible signs of illness may not be approved to fly.

Authorities are working to return the animals to their countries of origin.

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In July, a similar incident was reported at the same airport when an individual tried to smuggle nearly 140 exotic reptiles and arthropods into the country.

Customs inspectors found iguanas, pythons, tegus and scorpions.One of the snakes in that incident died during the trip,The Jerusalem Postreported.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has said previously that wildlife smuggling and importing protected natural resources into Israel constitute severe violations of multiple laws, according toIsrael Hayom.