Two Palestinian bird smugglers detained at border
Palestinians smuggling dozens of goldfinches into Israel from Jordan were detained by Israel Airport Authority officials; birds were released by officials while smugglers were questioned by Agriculture Ministry officials.
The birds are considered to be extremely expensive in the territories and were found under the clothes of two Palestinians from Hebron and Ramallah. The pair aroused the suspicion of security who heard chirping and noticed movement coming from their clothing.
Following a body search of the two suspects, security discovered each carrying 19 birds apiece on their person. Security released the birds and detained the two suspects who were questioned by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Goldfinches that are caught in the wild are sold according to assessments of the Nature and Parks Authority at around NIS 150 per bird, while the price of a hybrid goldfinch/canary can be between NIS 500-1,500.
