Unusual Smuggling Attempt Foiled: About 90 Rare Birds Caught on Their Way Into Israel

Police forces from the Judea and Samaria District, working together with inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, recently thwarted an attempt to smuggle about 90 protected and unusual birds into Israeli territory. As part of the operation, two suspects, Hebron residents in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in illegally smuggling the animals, police announced this morning (Monday).

The operation was carried out by officers from the Bik'a Station in the Gilad region together with inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce the law and prevent offenses that harm protected natural assets along the eastern border. During the operation, the forces worked to identify attempts to smuggle animals and natural assets, and in the course of that activity, suspicious behavior was detected that led to the case being uncovered.

הציפורים שנתפסו (צילום: דוברות המשטרה)

During the inspections carried out by the forces, about 90 birds of various species were seized, which are suspected to have been smuggled into the country in violation of the law. The birds, classified as protected natural assets, were transferred to the care of the appropriate authorities, while the suspects were taken in for questioning.

The two suspects were questioned at the police station on suspicion of smuggling protected natural assets. At the end of their initial interrogation, it was decided to remand them in custody, and they were later brought before the court for a hearing. Last Thursday, the court extended their detention until today. Later today, police are expected to bring them before the court once again, where they will request an extension of their detention pending further proceedings.