A woman was caught trying to smuggle a stuffed Siamese crocodile inside a duffel bag through an airport claiming it was just a “souvenir”.
The incident took place at Novokuznetsk Airport in the Kemerovo region of Russia after the passenger flew in from Cam Ranh, Vietnam, on 27th October.
Video released by the Russian Federal Customs Service shows officers inspecting the Russian woman’s luggage after spotting the reptile specimen during an X-ray scan of her hand baggage.
The “souvenir” weighed 528 grammes (1.1 lbs) and measured 73 centimetres (29 inches) in length.
According to officials, the passenger explained that she had bought the crocodile as a decoration for her personal collection and did not know it had to be declared or accompanied by special documentation.
Experts confirmed that the specimen was a stuffed Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), a medium-sized species listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.
Two administrative cases were initiated against the traveller – one for failing to comply with import restrictions and another for failing to declare the item during customs inspection.
If found guilty, the woman faces a financial penalty and confiscation of the stuffed crocodile.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: newsX
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