Customs at Ben Gurion Airport Stops Smuggling of About 20 Rare Parrots from Poland

Customs inspectors at Ben Gurion Airport, working with veterinary inspectors from Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, foiled an attempt to smuggle about 20 special-breed parrots into Israel. The birds were found in five separate cages, and their estimated value was tens of thousands of shekels.

The suspect, an Israeli man in his 20s who had just returned from Poland, tried to pass through the green lane in the passenger hall, a route that signals a traveler has nothing to declare. An inspector became suspicious, asked him to place his luggage on the X-ray conveyor, and the birds were seen on the screen. A physical search then uncovered the parrots, which were packed in harsh conditions.

Veterinary inspectors were called to the scene, examined the animals’ condition, and took them from customs staff for further treatment. After the necessary checks and care, the birds were returned to their countries of origin. The suspect was detained for questioning and criminal proceedings were opened against him. The investigation is being handled by the Agriculture Ministry’s Central Enforcement and Investigations Unit, known as Pitzuach.

Dr. Shlomo Grazi, the chief veterinarian for animal import and export at the ministry, said smuggling animals is not only illegal but also “a serious harm to animal welfare and a real risk to public health.” He warned that smuggled animals are often kept in poor conditions, may carry diseases not present in Israel, and bypass required veterinary controls. Ben Rosenberg of the Nature and Parks Authority said the cooperation between state agencies helps prevent harm to wildlife, the entry of parasites and zoonotic diseases, invasive species, customs offenses, money laundering, and animal cruelty.