A 28-year-old man is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being arrested at Cape Town International Airport for allegedly possessing 150 live venomous scorpions.

The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the SAPS Kuils River Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in collaboration with CapeNature on Friday, 12 June.

According to police, officers acted on information that a man was travelling with scorpions at the airport. After obtaining a description of the suspect, authorities located and apprehended him.

A search of his luggage revealed 150 live scorpions concealed among his clothing. Police arrested the suspect under the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance for being in possession of a wild animal.

The scorpions were safely removed and transported to a secure facility for safekeeping. Authorities are still determining the value of the animals.

Police say investigations into the matter are ongoing. The suspect remains in custody and is due to make his first court appearance on 15 June.