Exotic Species intercepted by Customs
Officers from Revenue's Customs service intercepted a consignment of exotic spiders, amphibians and reptiles at Dublin Airport on Monday (10/12/2007). A total of 78 species were found in a parcel which had arrived by airfreight from the USA and was destined for a pet shop in the west of Ireland. As a result of the seizure Customs officers in Limerick searched two premises and investigations are ongoing.
The package had been declared as "aquatic plants". The snakes and sliders (freshwater tortoises) were sealed in small cloth bags and the rest of the animals had been stowed in ten plastic food containers, all of which had been tightly packed into a cardboard box. The animals were rushed to Dublin Zoo where they received expert care. Staff at Dublin Zoo have also been very helpful in identifying each species. Three animals had died in transit and it is believed there would have been more fatalities had the parcel not been intercepted by Customs.
All of the species are prohibited on importation unless accompanied by an import licence issued under the Wild Life Act, 1976. The Emperor Scorpions also require an import permit under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Details are as follows:
- 4 Rose Hair tarantulas (Grammostola cala)
- 2 Guyana Pinktoe tarantulas (Avicularia avicularia)
- 8 Green snakes (rough) (Opheodrys aestivus) ( 1 died in transit)
- 50 Red-ear sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)
- 2 Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularis)
- 10 Fire-bellied toads (Bombina spp.)
- 2 Emperor scorpions (Pandinus imperator), listed as CITES II. (Both died in transit.)
Photographs available. Photography can be arranged.
[Ends 14/12/2007]