A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Snakes on a Plane . . . and a SQUIRREL?

No, I never saw the movie of that name. But The National reports that Abu Dhabi airport had an interesting security event:

The Saudi passenger was said to have been carrying four snakes, two parrots and a squirrel in his hand luggage.

He was caught at the first security checkpoint after arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Etihad Airlines flight EY471 from Jakarta, which landed in the capital shortly before midnight on Thursday.

The animals were not licensed for international transport. They had no health certification, nor confirmation that they were not on any endangered list.

Abu Dhabi police officials expressed surprise that the passenger had cleared security at Jakarta with the animals.

Perhaps Jakarta's version of the TSA isn't quite as intrusive. Also, I realize the snakes and parrots may be exotic and thus valuable specimens with a high resale value, but he was smuggling a squirrel? If he gets out on bail, he can have his pick of my backyard, no charge.

This is likely to be one of those stories where you never see a follow-up, and are left scratching your head forever.

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