Wrapped in cling film, a traveler at Munich Airport wanted to smuggle a live albino alligator to Singapore – the crocodile has since been nursed back to health by animal keepers. This was announced by Thomas Meister, spokesman for the Munich main customs office, on Thursday.
The animal was discovered in a suitcase that was far too small at the end of September, as the main customs office and the Bavarian control authority for food safety and veterinary affairs reported on Wednesday. The alligator was therefore completely wrapped in cling film and fixed. Only the animal’s nostrils were free. There was an acute danger to life.
Employees at the security check were therefore concerned about an unusual X-ray image and immediately alerted the customs officials. Together with a veterinarian, the customs officers freed the animal and took over the first aid. The crocodile, which is about one meter long, was then fed further in a sanctuary for reptiles. “Now the animal is fine again,” said Master.
Customs only published the September discovery so as not to jeopardize the investigation into the background to the smuggling. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the 42-year-old traveler from the USA for violating the Species Protection and Animal Welfare Act. The investigators demanded a high five-digit security deposit from him and confiscated the man’s mobile phone. After that he was allowed to travel on to Singapore. According to the information, up to 75,000 euros are paid for white alligators in Asia.