http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...are-lizards-smuggled-inside-cassette-box.html
Real-life video nasty: Customs officials discover 3 rare lizards smuggled inside cassette box
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:18 PM on 04th December 2009
Customs officers came across a real life video nasty when they discovered three alligator lizards smuggled inside a video tape, it was disclosed today.
Black market dealers pay more than £1,000 a pair for the rare Cope's arboreal alligator lizards which cannot be sold legally.
They were intercepted in a courier parcel at Gatwick Airport en route from Guatemala to the Czech Republic.
Enlarge
Black market dealers pay more than £1,000 a pair for the rare Cope's arboreal alligator lizards which cannot be sold legally
Enlarge
Hiding place: Two video tapes that three rare Cope's arboreal alligator lizards were smuggled
The lizards were taken to the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow where experts identified them.
Officials are now looking for a new home for the animals, which are so rare there are thought to be none currently in the UK.
Charles Mackay, head of the UK Border Agency illegal animal trade team said: 'Unfortunately, sending live animals by courier and through the post has become more common with many cases being discovered across Europe, including the UK.
'This isn't the first time that VHS cassettes have been used to conceal live reptiles.
'We have also seen cut-outs in books, children's toys and ornaments used to hide animals such as spiders, frogs, snakes, chameleons, tortoises - even birds and birds eggs have been sent in this way.'
Real-life video nasty: Customs officials discover 3 rare lizards smuggled inside cassette box
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:18 PM on 04th December 2009
Customs officers came across a real life video nasty when they discovered three alligator lizards smuggled inside a video tape, it was disclosed today.
Black market dealers pay more than £1,000 a pair for the rare Cope's arboreal alligator lizards which cannot be sold legally.
They were intercepted in a courier parcel at Gatwick Airport en route from Guatemala to the Czech Republic.
Enlarge
Black market dealers pay more than £1,000 a pair for the rare Cope's arboreal alligator lizards which cannot be sold legallyEnlarge
Hiding place: Two video tapes that three rare Cope's arboreal alligator lizards were smuggledThe lizards were taken to the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow where experts identified them.
Officials are now looking for a new home for the animals, which are so rare there are thought to be none currently in the UK.
Charles Mackay, head of the UK Border Agency illegal animal trade team said: 'Unfortunately, sending live animals by courier and through the post has become more common with many cases being discovered across Europe, including the UK.
'This isn't the first time that VHS cassettes have been used to conceal live reptiles.
'We have also seen cut-outs in books, children's toys and ornaments used to hide animals such as spiders, frogs, snakes, chameleons, tortoises - even birds and birds eggs have been sent in this way.'
