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Cape Town - Sanparks confirmed in a statement that joint enforcement operations by the Green Scorpions and the SAPS have detected non-compliance with the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations related to reptiles at South Africa's busiest airport OR Tambo International.
"Shops trading in the International Departure Hall of OR Tambo have been checked to ensure that they comply with NEMBA Regulations in order for people buying CITES-listed products to comply with permit requirements and a number of shops are currently in non-compliance," a SANParks spokesperson said.
SANParks confirmed enforcement action would be taken.
"It is critical to understand that permits are required for the export and import of CITES-listed species, such as cosmetic products made from Aloe Ferox and crocodile leather products, such as watch straps, handbags and belts."
As of 1 April 2015, Environmental Management Inspectors, commonly known as the Green Scorpions, have been deployed at OR Tambo International Airport - an important step in the fight against wildlife crime, SANParks said.
SANparks said the Green Scorpions would ensure compliance and undertake enforcement action related to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and its Regulations.
"The regulations also relate to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations and regulations related to the import of Alien and Invasive Species."
A team of 10 Compliance officials have been ensuring that CITES export and re-export permits are endorsed after physical inspection of consignments and that CITES import permits are cancelled after use
"Trade bans for commercial purposes relating to CITES listed species have been put in place since 19 March 2015 for Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria due to non-compliance with CITES plans and the Green Scorpions need to ensure that these bans are enforced."
Additionally a team of 9 Enforcement officials will make sure that non-compliances with NEMBA Regulations are met with enforcement action, through criminal investigations followed by prosecution and / or the issuing of enforcement notices and fines.
A team of officials will also ensure that the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations are being complied with and that prohibited invasive species do not find their way into the country without being detected and are destroyed, where necessary.
"People who do not comply with the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations will either be prosecuted or issued with Compliance Notices and Directives," SANparks said.
SANparks said the Green Scorpions will also be deployed at some of the other designated Ports of Entry and Exit across the country "over a period of time, dependent on resources available" - with spot checks done to ensure that people using other airports in South Africa comply with the requirements in the NEMBA Regulations, it said.
Additionally the Green Scorpions will also focus efforts on other key areas at ORTIA, such as the international mail centre and freight areas.
SANParks advised anybody wanting to report non-compliance with Environmental law to phone the Environmental Crime Hotline at 080 020 5005.
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