advertentieThe Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has, together with Customs and the Royal Military Police, arrested 3 German suspects for smuggling hatching eggs at Schiphol airport on Monday, June 16. A total of 79 eggs were hidden in the suspects hand luggage. A hatching machine was also found in the checked baggage. The NVWA has confiscated the hatching machine and the eggs. The eggs will be housed and hatched at a specialized shelter. A report will be drawn up against the suspect.
The NVWA received a notification from Customs about the smugglers. Customs stopped the 3 individuals and searched their luggage. A total of 79 eggs were hidden in the hand luggage. The NVWA immediately took over the case. One of the smugglers had also been arrested at Schiphol last year for smuggling eggs. The suspects were then arrested by the Royal Military Police.
European Bird Directive
Inspectors from the NVWA suspect that among the eggs are those of the Puffin, a native species protected under the European Bird Directive. Most of the eggs were already nearly hatched. To ascertain which other bird species are involved, the eggs will be further incubated at a specialized shelter.
Illegal Bird Trade
There is a lively trade in birds. Unfortunately, there is also a part of illegal trade, which makes a lot of money. This can involve protected native and exotic birds that have been caught in the wild. Due to the way they are caught and transported, many birds die. Illegal bird trade is a danger to biodiversity and often causes animal suffering. Therefore, the government is tackling this illegal trade.
The NVWA calls for reports of illegal bird trade. This can also be done anonymously through the Criminal Intelligence Team of the NVWA-IOD.
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