Crocodile head found hidden in luggage at Italian airport
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Turin: Italian authorities recovered the dried head of a critically endangered crocodile from a passenger's luggage at Turin's Caselle Airport. The passenger arrived from Miami via Istanbul and allegedly wrapped the reptile's head in brown paper to conceal it during customs procedures.
The specimen was seized because it had entered Italy without the necessary permissions or certificates. The passenger, who was purportedly returning from a holiday, is now being investigated for illegally carrying a protected wildlife specimen.
Crocodiles and other endangered species are protected by the 1973 Washington Convention (CITES), which limits international commerce. If convicted, the passenger might face a punishment ranging from €20,000 to €200,000, or six months to a year in prison.
Italian authorities said the seizure is part of a larger crackdown on the illegal wildlife trafficking, which includes reptiles, birds, tortoises, and other exotic animals.
Photo Credits: Guardia di Finanza.
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