A passenger smuggled 22 snakes in her suitcase to India (Photo: YouTube)
A 23-year-old man from Mevaseret Zion was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of illegally possessing and trafficking Burmese snakes and pythons. Environmental Protection Department officers raided his home together with Nature and Parks Authority inspectors, and seized two Burmese pythons and netted bait, weapons and a suspected drug.
The seized animals were kept illegally, without permits for possession or trafficking, and in conditions comparable to their welfare. Also, these species are prohibited from possession in view of their size which may reach up to six meters and the fact that they may be dangerous to humans.
The suspect was arrested as part of an operation against animal trafficking and possession, with the aim of preventing trafficking in protected natural values and wildlife kept without a permit and in appalling conditions. The young man was taken for further interrogation by the police for offenses of animal abuse, failure to take precautions against animals and possession of drugs not for personal consumption. In addition, he will also be questioned by the Nature and Parks Authority for maintaining natural values.
The snakes found this morning (Photo: official website, police spokesperson's office)
"The snakes caught today were kept under conditions and transferred to a protected shelter," said Yaniv Shalom, a trade researcher at the Nature and Parks Authority. "I would like to emphasize that the variety of species permitted for private possession and trade is published on the website of the Nature and Parks Authority, under the general permit for keeping, and animals must be kept only in accordance with the law, the rules and purchased only from dealers with a valid trade permit from the Nature and Parks Authority. Of course, the animals must be kept in good welfare conditions."
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