Police arrest man with 150 live venomous scorpions in luggage

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By Enitan Abdultawab

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South African authorities have arrested a 28-year-old man after discovering 150 live venomous scorpions concealed inside his luggage at Cape Town International Airport.

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The suspect was apprehended on Friday following an intelligence-led operation involving members of the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and conservation officials from Cape Nature.

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According to police, officers acted on information that a man travelling through the airport was in possession of protected wildlife. A description of the suspect was circulated, leading to his swift identification and arrest.

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Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said a search of the man’s bags uncovered dozens of live scorpions hidden among his clothing.

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“The suspect was found with 150 live scorpions concealed between his clothing in his bags. He was immediately arrested for possession of a wild animal under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act,” Twigg said.

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Authorities said the man was taken into custody and is expected to appear in court on Monday. His intended destination has not been disclosed.

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In a separate statement, police confirmed that the suspect “was arrested under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act, being in possession of a wild animal.”

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The scorpions have since been removed from the luggage and transferred to a secure wildlife facility, where officials are assessing their condition and determining their market value.

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Police also confirm that in South Africa, while criminal networks are often linked to the illegal trade of high-profile species such as rhinos and elephants, authorities say reptiles, arachnids and other lesser-known animals are increasingly targeted for the lucrative international black market.

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