Israel Police stated that the birds were smuggled by the men ‘cruelly concealing’ them on their bodies.
Four Palestinian suspects were arrested for attempting to smuggle about 100 protected birds by ‘cruelly concealing’ them on their bodies, Israel Police stated Sunday.
The birds were found attached to the men’s clothing while the group was searched at a bridge crossing by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) and customs inspectors.
An indictment will be filed against the group, and they have been banned from the area for three months.
The birds were of various finch species, which are classified as protected in Israel and are prohibited from being imported without proper permits.
The suspects were detained for 48 hours prior to a hearing at the Ofer Magistrate’s Court, where a prosecutor from the Nature and Parks Authority called for the suspects’ detention to be extended an additional four days.
Four Palestinian suspects were arrested for attempting to smuggle about 100 protected birds by ‘cruelly concealing’ them on their bodies. (credit: AGRICULTURE MINISTRY)
The dangers of smuggling animals
The INPA stressed the dangers of the illegal wildlife trade, stating that smuggled animals may carry diseases even if they do not show symptoms.
