Author: Varvara Morozova. Photo: Guardia di Finanza

Employees at an Italian airport routinely searched passengers' luggage and discovered a crocodile's head in one of the suitcases. The animal is an endangered species.

Financial police in Turin determined that the luggage owner had arrived from Miami via Istanbul. "The reptile's head was dried and wrapped in ordinary wrapping paper, which allowed it to bypass the departure country's security service," customs officials noted.

Border guards seized the head, and an investigation was launched against the passenger. The man is suspected of smuggling a specimen of a protected species without the appropriate certificate or license.

Xiaomi Luggage Classic Pro 28" BHR8605GL (black)

suitcase, polycarbonate, 31.5×49.8×76.8 cm, 104 L

Xiaomi Luggage Classic Pro 20" BHR8603GL (gray)

suitcase, polycarbonate, 23×37×56 cm, 39 L

If found guilty, the former owner of the crocodile head faces a fine of €20,000 to €200,000 or imprisonment for six months to one year.