MOSCOW, April 6. /TASS/. Customs officers at the Domodedovo Airport found more than 350 exotic animals in the backpack of a Russian citizen who arrived from South Africa, the press service of the Russian Federal Customs Service reported.
"Over 350 exotic animals were seized by Domodedovo customs officers from a Russian national who arrived from South Africa through Ethiopia. The Russian passenger put the African animals in plastic containers, which he hid from customs officers in a tourist backpack," the department’s statement said.
The Russian transported in his backpack: 14 Cape dwarf chameleons, 5 western leopard toads, an African Rodenburg's mabuya (long-tailed lizard); as well as insects: woodlice, giant millipedes, painted snails, horned fungus beetles, psammodes (found only at the Cape of Good Hope), Florida woods cockroaches and other African wildlife. Some of the animals died due to sudden changes in temperature and improper transportation. Others were confiscated and handed over to animal rights activists. According to the Russian Federal Customs Service, they are being provided with the necessary veterinary care, rehabilitation and adequate treatment.
The inspectors found the contraband in the green corridor, during a luggage inspection. The examination found dwarf chameleons, which are an endangered species, protected under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - TASS), and are therefore subject to a mandatory written declaration with the provision of permits.
"In addition, customs officers noted the similarities between this case and one involving the seizure of live cargo in December of last year at another Moscow airport. Then, also in the green corridor, inspectors stopped a woman trying to smuggle 150 animals from the Philippines", the department pointed out.
The fact of smuggling is still probed into. An examination has been appointed under the administrative case for failure to declare goods.