A man has been arrested after he allegedly attempted to smuggle 150 live scorpions through Cape Town International Airport.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested after 150 venomous scorpions were found in his luggage at Cape Town International airport, in an operation on Friday.
Police said in a statement that the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Cape Nature, received information regarding a person who is in possession of scorpions at the airport.
“ A description of the suspect was obtained and the suspect was apprehended. His luggage bags were searched and 150 live scorpions were found between his clothing. He was arrested under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act, being in possession of a wild animal. The value of the scorpions is yet to be determined. The scorpions were transported to a haven for safe keeping,” the statement from the SAPS said.
The man is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 June 2026
