Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier has welcomed the arrest of two Thai nationals in separate alleged wildlife trafficking cases at OR Tambo International Airport.
The arrests followed intelligence-driven operations involving the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Environmental Management Inspectorate, known as the Green Scorpions, working with SAPS Crime Intelligence, Border Police and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.
In the latest case, a 50-year-old Thai national was arrested on 20 August 2026 after allegedly attempting to illegally export 50 bird eggs concealed in a homemade incubator bag carried as hand luggage.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the eggs originated from parrot species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The arrest follows a similar incident on 16 July, when a 23-year-old Thai national was intercepted at OR Tambo while allegedly attempting to smuggle 418 parrot eggs concealed in two homemade incubator bags.
Investigations into both cases are continuing.
Maynier said the arrests highlighted the need for a coordinated response to increasingly sophisticated transnational wildlife trafficking networks.
“The success of this operation demonstrates the need for a joint approach to enforcing environmental law. The complex criminal networks that support illegal wildlife trafficking can only be challenged by a coordinated defence of our natural heritage,” he said.
The department warned that the illegal collection and trafficking of parrot eggs poses a serious threat to wild bird populations and animal welfare.
Eggs are often hidden in improvised incubation devices and transported under conditions that can severely compromise their viability and endanger developing embryos and hatchlings.
Several of the rescued eggs have since hatched, with the chicks receiving intensive veterinary and husbandry care. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has been assisting in safeguarding the animals.
The department said the interceptions demonstrated the effectiveness of South Africa’s National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, which aims to strengthen cooperation between government departments, law enforcement agencies, conservation authorities, customs officials, prosecutors and international partners.
The export of species listed under CITES is strictly regulated and requires the necessary permits.
Under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, those convicted of certain wildlife-related offences may face a fine of up to R10 million, up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
The DFFE said it would continue working with local and international law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
“Through continued collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement actions, South Africa will continue to strengthen its efforts to combat wildlife crime and safeguard its natural resources for future generations,” the department said.
The arrests followed intelligence-driven operations involving the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Environmental Management Inspectorate, known as the Green Scorpions, working with SAPS Crime Intelligence, Border Police and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.
In the latest case, a 50-year-old Thai national was arrested on 20 August 2026 after allegedly attempting to illegally export 50 bird eggs concealed in a homemade incubator bag carried as hand luggage.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the eggs originated from parrot species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The arrest follows a similar incident on 16 July, when a 23-year-old Thai national was intercepted at OR Tambo while allegedly attempting to smuggle 418 parrot eggs concealed in two homemade incubator bags.
Investigations into both cases are continuing.
Maynier said the arrests highlighted the need for a coordinated response to increasingly sophisticated transnational wildlife trafficking networks.
“The success of this operation demonstrates the need for a joint approach to enforcing environmental law. The complex criminal networks that support illegal wildlife trafficking can only be challenged by a coordinated defence of our natural heritage,” he said.
The department warned that the illegal collection and trafficking of parrot eggs poses a serious threat to wild bird populations and animal welfare.
Eggs are often hidden in improvised incubation devices and transported under conditions that can severely compromise their viability and endanger developing embryos and hatchlings.
Several of the rescued eggs have since hatched, with the chicks receiving intensive veterinary and husbandry care. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has been assisting in safeguarding the animals.
The department said the interceptions demonstrated the effectiveness of South Africa’s National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, which aims to strengthen cooperation between government departments, law enforcement agencies, conservation authorities, customs officials, prosecutors and international partners.
The export of species listed under CITES is strictly regulated and requires the necessary permits.
Under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, those convicted of certain wildlife-related offences may face a fine of up to R10 million, up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
The DFFE said it would continue working with local and international law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
“Through continued collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement actions, South Africa will continue to strengthen its efforts to combat wildlife crime and safeguard its natural resources for future generations,” the department said.
