Authorities continue to probe the origin and destination of the fossils as laws on exportation are examined.
French Customs Discover Nine Fossilized Dinosaur Teeth in Lorry Inspection
French Customs Discover Nine Fossilized Dinosaur Teeth in Lorry Inspection
Routine checks near the Italian border lead to an unexpected paleontological find.
French customs officials made a startling discovery during a routine inspection of a Spanish lorry on the A8 motorway near the Italian border, uncovering nine fossilized dinosaur teeth on January 28. The fossils were found packed in two parcels and were subsequently sent to a local prehistory museum in Menton for examination.
Experts confirmed that the teeth originated from reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago, with origins traced back to Morocco. Among the notable finds, one tooth was identified as belonging to a Zarafasaura oceanis, a marine reptile that reached lengths of about 3 meters (10 feet) and was subsequently named in Morocco in 2011. Additionally, three teeth were linked to the formidable Mosasaurus, known to grow up to 12 meters long, while five others are thought to have belonged to a Dyrosaurus phosphaticus, a distant ancestor of modern crocodiles.
French authorities reported that lorries traveling the A8 between Spain and Italy are routinely stopped, with customs agents inspecting random parcels due to past suspicions of drug smuggling. This recent catch, however, was an unexpected turn. According to customs officer Samantha Verduron, the zany haul piqued the intrigue of the team.
The driver of the lorry claimed he was transporting the parcels to customers in the Italian cities of Genoa and Milan. In the meanwhile, customs officials are investigating the intended recipients in an effort to ensure compliance with regulations. Although collecting fossils is legal in many jurisdictions, exporting them typically requires official licensing to avoid illicit trade or improper handling.
Experts confirmed that the teeth originated from reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago, with origins traced back to Morocco. Among the notable finds, one tooth was identified as belonging to a Zarafasaura oceanis, a marine reptile that reached lengths of about 3 meters (10 feet) and was subsequently named in Morocco in 2011. Additionally, three teeth were linked to the formidable Mosasaurus, known to grow up to 12 meters long, while five others are thought to have belonged to a Dyrosaurus phosphaticus, a distant ancestor of modern crocodiles.
French authorities reported that lorries traveling the A8 between Spain and Italy are routinely stopped, with customs agents inspecting random parcels due to past suspicions of drug smuggling. This recent catch, however, was an unexpected turn. According to customs officer Samantha Verduron, the zany haul piqued the intrigue of the team.
The driver of the lorry claimed he was transporting the parcels to customers in the Italian cities of Genoa and Milan. In the meanwhile, customs officials are investigating the intended recipients in an effort to ensure compliance with regulations. Although collecting fossils is legal in many jurisdictions, exporting them typically requires official licensing to avoid illicit trade or improper handling.
