Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian authorities have foiled an unusual and rare wildlife smuggling attempt at Cairo International Airport, after a passenger was caught attempting to transport endangered animals in violation of national law and international conservation agreements.
The operation was carried out through coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture, security agencies, and customs authorities.
Smuggled Wildlife Discovered
According to the head of the General Authority for Veterinary Services, Dr. Hamed Al-Aknes, officials intercepted a passenger travelling to India who was found in possession of three infant chimpanzees and ten bags containing rare reptiles.
The chimpanzees were reportedly sedated, raising serious concerns about their health and survival. The reptiles were seized in sealed bags and kept under precautionary measures inside the airport pending examination.
Immediate Veterinary Intervention
Authorities stated that the confiscated animals were immediately placed under veterinary supervision. Specialized teams from the administration responsible for wildlife conservation were tasked with identifying and classifying the species.
The animals were later transferred under strict veterinary monitoring to Alexandria Zoo, which was designated as a temporary safe facility to provide appropriate care and recovery conditions.
Legal Action and Enforcement
Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk ordered the immediate confiscation of the animals and the initiation of legal proceedings against those involved, in accordance with Egyptian laws regulating wildlife possession and trade.
Officials confirmed that the case is being handled under the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits illegal trade in endangered species.
Stronger Border Enforcement
The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the operation reflects heightened surveillance at Egyptian border points and airports, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
Authorities emphasized that Egypt will not tolerate attempts to undermine natural resources or violate international environmental agreements, highlighting close coordination between veterinary, security, and customs agencies.
Commitment to Wildlife Protection
Officials praised the rapid response of airport security and veterinary teams, describing the case as an example of effective inter-agency cooperation in protecting biodiversity and enforcing international commitments.
The investigation into the smuggling attempt is ongoing.
