Police Raid Near Tulkarm Uncovers Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Ring

Border Police (Magav) forces, alongside inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, conducted an unusual raid on a compound in the village of Shweika, near Tulkarm, on Thursday night. The operation targeted an illegal wildlife trafficking operation that had been under investigation by the Central Magav District.

During the raid, officers discovered two gazelles and two mongooses being held illegally. These animals, along with other wildlife including an albino wallaby, two blue-tongued skinks, and a hedgehog, were found in the suspect's home under poor conditions. Several domestic animals, such as a sheep and hamsters, were also found in distress.

Nature and Parks Authority inspectors sedated and captured the wild animals. The gazelles and mongooses were taken for further care by the authority, while the hedgehog was released back into its natural habitat. The albino wallaby and skinks were reportedly taken to a zoo.

A resident of Tulkarm, a man in his 60s, was arrested at the scene and taken for further interrogation by the Central Magav District. He is suspected of offenses including harming wildlife, illegal possession, breaking and entering, theft, and illegal hunting.