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Reptile seized at French customs

Photo: dpa

Paris customs stopped a traveler from Germany who wanted to smuggle in live reptiles that are protected species. The animals were hidden in his socks, among other things.

At the Paris East Station, the investigators initially discovered two protected sand lizards in his luggage when checking the man, customs announced on Friday. In other pieces of luggage they found a total of 21 live animals. These included horned lizards and also Fijian iguanas. An undeclared amount of cash was also found. The discovery was made on February 11th.

According to customs, the reptiles were taken to an animal center that is looking after their welfare. The man from Germany was handed over to the criminal police, who are investigating violations against the animal trade. It is not known exactly what the man planned to do with the reptiles.

kfr/dpa