Jerusalem, 29 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli authorities at Ben-Gurion Airport on Tuesday foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 140 exotic reptiles and arthropods into the country. Customs inspectors discovered the animals — crammed into a single suitcase arriving from Thailand — including iguanas, pythons, tegus, and scorpions. One snake died in transit; many others were in poor condition after enduring freezing temperatures and a lack of food.
The suspect, a 25-year-old Jerusalem resident, is under investigation for wildlife trafficking and environmental offenses. Officials warned that the animals pose risks to public health, agriculture, and biodiversity. All the surviving creatures were transferred to veterinary care for treatment and quarantine.