Thai held over parrot eggs haul in Gauteng

A joint law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of an alleged wildlife trafficker after 50 eggs were found concealed in his hand luggage.

The arrest was effected at the OR Tambo International Airport. 

According to AFP, if convicted, the suspect could face up to 10 years in prison or a 10 million rand ($627,000) fine or both.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the eggs are from a protected parrot species. The arrest of the Thai national follows a similar case last month, when 418 eggs were seized.

The operation involved the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) Green Scorpions, SAPS Crime Intelligence, SAPS Border Police, and the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.

Personnel from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) are working to incubate the seized eggs and provide specialised care to hatchlings.

Authorities said the operation highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to enforcing environmental laws and combating wildlife trafficking networks.

IOL