Customs inspectors at Ben-Gurion Airport, in cooperation with inspectors from the Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Nature and Parks Authority, thwarted an attempt to smuggle about 20 parrots of special breeds that were discovered in five different cages. The value of the parrots is estimated at tens of thousands of NIS. Criminal proceedings were opened against the suspect, and the birds were returned to their country of origin after receiving veterinary care.
The suspect, an Israeli citizen in his 20s who returned from his trip to Poland, tried to pass with his luggage through the Green Channel in the passenger hall at Ben-Gurion Airport, where passage constitutes a declaration that the passenger does not have goods that must be declared to customs. The customs inspector approached the passenger and asked him to place his luggage on the conveyor belt of the X-ray machine, where the birds were seen. The passenger's luggage was taken for a physical examination, during which 20 parrots packed under harsh conditions were found.
Upon discovery of the parrots, inspectors from the Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security were called to the scene, examined the health status of the animals, and transferred them from the customs employees in the passenger hall for further veterinary treatment. After the completion of the required tests and treatment, the birds were returned to their countries of origin. The suspect was detained for questioning, and criminal proceedings were opened against him. The investigation is being conducted by the Central Unit for Enforcement and Investigations (Pitzuach) in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Dr. Shlomo Grazi, Chief Veterinary Officer for Animal Import and Export at the Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: "Smuggling animals is not only a violation of the law, but also a serious blow to animal welfare and a real risk to public health. Animals smuggled into Israel are often kept in harsh and inappropriate conditions, without veterinary supervision and while causing unnecessary suffering. In addition, they do not undergo the required veterinary examinations and supervision and may carry diseases that do not exist in the country. The Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security work in cooperation with all enforcement agencies to prevent the entry of these risks into Israel, protect animal welfare, and ensure animal and public health."
Ben Rosenberg, Director of the Wildlife and Flora Protection Division at the Nature and Parks Authority: "In offenses involving the smuggling of wildlife, violations of many laws take place. The cooperation between the arms of the state, including: Customs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Nature and Parks Authority, and others will assist in preventing harm to wildlife, the introduction of parasites and zoonotic diseases, species that may become invasive and damage local nature, and create great damage to agriculture, alongside customs offenses and money laundering, and of course, animal cruelty. The quick work of the customs managed to prevent the entry of the birds into the country and return them to Europe."