150 Live Scorpions Found Hidden in Luggage

On Friday, South African authorities arrested a 28-year-old man at Cape Town airport for trafficking 150 live venomous scorpions. The man had hidden the arachnids within his clothing and luggage. His apprehension followed a targeted intelligence operation by police who had circulated his description.

The individual was arrested in accordance with the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act for being in possession of a wild animal. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Images released by the police showed the scorpions individually wrapped in plastic.

Authorities have transferred the scorpions to a wildlife facility for their safekeeping while their market value is being assessed. Wildlife trafficking remains a significant concern in South Africa, a country renowned for its high biodiversity. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by crime syndicates exploiting both iconic and lesser-known species for the global black market.