Pulkovo customs officers found 67 items of rare animal parts in the baggage of a 20-year-old foreign national departing for China. Source: FCS Russia.
The passenger was selected for control in the green channel. Scanning of hand luggage revealed shapes resembling claws and horns; a full search found fangs, claws, horn parts, fragments and slices of mammoth tusks and a dried snake head in bags, suitcases and pockets.
Expert examination showed that some specimens are CITES-listed species — golden eagle, saiga, sperm whale and leopard — while others are parts of other fauna or remains of extinct animals.
The traveller said he collects such items and did not know written declaration was required.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(1) of the Russian Criminal Code, with penalties up to RUB 1 million or five years’ imprisonment. CITES specimens crossing the EAEU border must be declared in writing with supporting permits.
