Police Detain Man Found with 150 Live Venomous Scorpions in His Luggage

By Enitan Abdultawab

South African authorities detained a 28‑year‑old man after finding 150 live venomous scorpions hidden in his luggage at Cape Town International Airport.

The arrest was made on Friday during an intelligence‑led operation carried out by the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and conservation officers from Cape Nature.

Police said they acted on information that a traveller was carrying protected wildlife. A description of the suspect was released, leading to his quick identification and apprehension.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a police spokesperson, reported that officers discovered dozens of live scorpions concealed among the suspect’s clothing.

“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.

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

In a separate statement, police reiterated that the suspect was arrested under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act for possessing a wild animal.

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

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

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