According to an FCS Russia press release, customs officers at Novokuznetsk airport found a “taxidermy Siamese crocodile in a travel bag” carried by a passenger arriving from Vietnam.
During hand-luggage screening of a Russian national on a flight from Cam Ranh, Kemerovo Region customs detected a derivative weighing 528 g and measuring 73 cm. The item was identified by X-ray inspection.
The traveller said she had bought it as a souvenir for a home collection and was unaware of declaration requirements and the need for permits.
Expert examination confirmed a Siamese crocodile specimen subject to CITES. Two administrative cases were opened under Articles 16.3 and 16.2 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences. She faces a fine and possible confiscation.
