German customs officials confiscated a live albino crocodile at Munich airport. While checking the luggage, the security inspection workers discovered an unusual X-ray image. They immediately informed the customs officials that upon opening the suitcase they found a live white alligator wrapped in cling film. Criminal proceedings were opened against the smuggler
An American tourist was caught smuggling a live 1 meter long albino crocodile on a flight from Germany to Singapore. The discovery was made in an X-ray by stunned baggage inspectors at Munich International Airport in Bavaria in September. The inspectors discovered that the rare white alligator was stuffed into a suitcase and was curled up and wrapped almost entirely in cling film, with a small hole for breathing.
The nylon-wrapped thread is attached as seen in the mirroring machine
A criminal case was opened for the 42-year-old tourist who tried to smuggle the animal. The Nature Authority took the crocodile to a reptile shelter in Munich. Customers can buy white alligators for 75,000 euros in Asia, according to German media.
In Germany it is reported that it is illegal to trade in wild animals, to bring animal species into the country or to take animals out of it without a permit. This is an offense under the Endangered Species Act. In Singapore, offenders can face up to two years in prison and a $50,000 fine for illegal wildlife trade.
In a statement on behalf of the main customs office of Munich, it was stated: “Customs officials confiscated a live albino crocodile on September 25, 2022 at the Munich airport. During a baggage check, the security inspection workers discovered an abnormal X-ray image. They immediately informed the customs officials, that when they opened the suitcase, they found a live albino crocodile Wrapped in cling film. Together with a veterinarian, customs officials released the animal, before the flight to Singapore, the passenger was located by customs officials. The officials opened proceedings against the 42-year-old businessman.”