A 28-year-old man was arrested at Cape Town International Airport after police discovered 150 live venomous scorpions hidden in his luggage during an intelligence-driven operation involving the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and CapeNature.
The suspect was charged under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act for illegal possession of wild animals.
The scorpions were safely removed and taken to a secure facility, while authorities are still determining their value.
He is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 June 2026.