South African police arrest man with 150 venomous scorpions
By Editor
South African police have arrested a 28-year-old man after discovering 150 live venomous scorpions concealed inside his luggage at Cape Town International Airport.
The suspect was apprehended on Friday following an intelligence-led operation involving members of the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and conservation officials from Cape Nature.
According to police, officers acted on information that a man travelling through the airport was in possession of protected wildlife. A description of the suspect was circulated, leading to his swift identification and arrest.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said a search of the man’s bags uncovered dozens of live scorpions hidden among his clothing.
“The suspect was found with 150 live scorpions concealed between his clothing in his bags. He was immediately arrested for possession of a wild animal under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act,” Twigg said.
Authorities said the man was taken into custody and is expected to appear in court on Monday. His intended destination has not been disclosed.
In a separate statement, police confirmed that the suspect “was arrested under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act, being in possession of a wild animal.”
The scorpions had since been removed from the luggage and transferred to a secure wildlife facility, where officials are assessing their condition and determining their market value.
Police also confirm that in South Africa, while criminal networks are often linked to the illegal trade of high-profile species such as rhinos and elephants, authorities say reptiles, arachnids and other lesser-known animals are increasingly targeted for the lucrative international black market.
South African police arrest man with 150 venomous scorpions
