Thai man arrested at OR Tambo with 50 parrot eggs

A 50-year-old Thai man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police allegedly discovered 50 parrot eggs hidden inside a homemade incubator bag in his hand luggage.

The eggs are believed to belong to endangered parrot species protected under international wildlife laws. Authorities suspect the man was attempting to take the eggs out of South Africa illegally.

The arrest has also brought attention back to another alleged parrot egg smuggling case at the same airport.

Second arrest linked to parrot egg seizures

The latest arrest follows the detention of a 23-year-old Thai man in July, who was allegedly found with 418 parrot eggs at OR Tambo International Airport.

Some of the eggs recovered in the earlier case have since hatched.

The baby birds are now receiving specialised care from wildlife experts.

Together, the two cases involve hundreds of protected parrot eggs allegedly being moved through South Africa for illegal export.

Suspects could face heavy penalties

Authorities say those convicted of offences linked to the alleged smuggling could face fines of up to R10 million, a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both.

The latest case also highlights the lengths authorities say suspects allegedly went to in order to conceal the eggs, with the 50 eggs reportedly placed inside a homemade incubator bag and carried as hand luggage.

For now, the allegations remain before the relevant authorities and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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Source: CGN CRIME / Facebook