A 28-year-old man is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday after he was found in possession of 150 live venomous scorpions at the Cape Town International Airport.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, June 12.
The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, said the arrest came after an intelligence-driven operation between the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Cape Nature.
“The members responded to information they received about a person who is in possession of scorpions at the Cape Town International Airport,” Twigg said.
A description of the suspect was obtained and the suspect was arrested.
According to police, the live scorpions were found in the suspect’s luggage.
“His luggage was searched, and 150 live scorpions were found between his clothing. He was arrested under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act, owning a wild animal. The value of the scorpions is yet to be determined. The scorpions were transported to a haven for safekeeping,” Twigg said.
