Man Arrested After 150 Live Venomous Scorpions Found in Luggage at Cape Town Airport
Police found 150 live venomous scorpions hidden in a suspect’s luggage, and investigators say the case is still under review.
- On Friday, police arrested a 28-year-old man at Cape Town International Airport after discovering 150 live venomous scorpions concealed inside his luggage.
- The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the SAPS Kuils River Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in collaboration with CapeNature on Friday.
- Officers discovered the animals hidden among the suspect's clothing during the search, and the Good Hope SPCA secured them at a safe facility.
- Authorities charged the suspect under the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance Act for unlawful possession of a wild animal, with his first court appearance scheduled for Monday.
- Police continue to investigate the circumstances and intended destination of the seized scorpions, reflecting broader efforts to combat wildlife-related crimes and illegal trafficking.
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Smuggler caught trafficking '150 venomous scorpions' at airport
150 individually wrapped scorpions discovered by customs (Picture: South African Police) There was a sting in the tail for one would-be smuggler who was caught trying to sneak 150 live scorpions out of South Africa. A 28-year-old man was arrested after an intelligence operation circulated his description before he was intercepted by officers at Cape Town International Airport on Friday. His luggage was searched and 150 ‘live and venomous scorpio…
Cape Town Airport sting: Man nabbed with 150 venomous scorpions hidden in luggage
A 28‑year‑old man is expected to make his first appearance in court after he was arrested at the Cape Town International Airport for being in possession of 150 live venomous scorpions hidden in his luggage. The man was handcuffed at the airport on Friday, 12 June 2026, after police uncovered the live venomous scorpions in his luggage. Arrest The Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, in coordination with CapeNature, acted on informa…
The police had received information that a passenger had wild animals with him and distributed a description.
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