Monday 06 December 2010:
4 snakes, two parrots and squirrel
found in the hand bag of Abu Dhabi International Airport passenger
ADP Airports Security Police apprehended a Gulf passenger at Abu Dhabi International Airport, coming from Jakarta to one of the Gulf States, with four snakes, two parrots and a squirrel in his hand bag during routine pre-boarding check.
Colonel Khamis Musabah Al Marar, Acting Director General of Security and Ports Affairs and Director of Ports Security Department said "The animals have been confiscated as live animals are not permitted to be brought on board in hand bags. He also does not hold an animal export permit or good health certificate from the airport of his departure. Also there is no certificate showing that these animals are not rare or endangered species. The passenger has been allowed to catch his flight after prescribed procedures have been taken by police".
Colonel Al Marar has affirmed that carrying live animals in hand bags on board is not allowed, as they pose risk to passengers and the aircraft, if they come out of the bag. Carrying such live animals requires special permits and they should be taken as cargo and should be securely caged. He has urged passengers not to carry live animals inside their hand baggage for their and others safety. They should follow the correct methods of taking live animals with them after completing special formalities.
