Bulgarian Attempts to Smuggle Reptiles Hidden in Bus

An illegal shipment containing a diverse array of reptiles was detained on a bus at the Kalotina border crossing point. Photo by BGNES

An illegal shipment containing a diverse array of reptiles was detained on a bus travelling from the Czech Republic to Bulgaria.

A total of six monitor lizards, three caimans, three pythons, 15 chameleons, 49 tortoises, one scorpion, six crabs, 10 snails and a number of cockroaches and worms were found during an inspection of the vehicle at the Kalotina border crossing point at 6.45 a.m. on Monday, the Customs Agency said in a statement.

The live reptiles had been stuffed in bags in the bus' luggage compartment.

The customs inspection revealed that a Bulgarian citizen had tried to smuggle the reptiles into the country without declaring them.

The offender had also failed to get permission for the special shipment from the customs authorities.

The investigation into the case continues.

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