Novosibirsk customs seized a stuffed Siamese crocodile weighing about 400 g from the hand luggage of a 36-year-old Russian passenger arriving from Vietnam. Source: FCS Russia.
Officers stopped him on the “green” channel during selective control after an X-ray scanner flagged the exotic souvenir among personal belongings.
The traveller said he had bought the item in a souvenir shop in Nha Trang and was unaware that such goods must be declared and accompanied by permits from the competent authorities.
Experts assigned the reptile to the crocodile family and confirmed it falls under CITES: lawful import requires a passenger customs declaration with supporting permits.
Two administrative cases were opened under Article 16.2(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences (non-declaration) and Article 16.3 (breach of prohibitions and restrictions). The passenger faces a fine and confiscation of the goods.
