Smugglers 'are caught every couple of months'

Dubai: Crocodile smugglers are caught every couple of months trying to enter the UAE with live reptiles, according to officials at the Ministry of Environment and Water in Dubai.

Crocodile skins and trophies — stuffed animals kept for display — have also been confiscated by customs and quarantine officials at various points of entry into the UAE.

According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species office at the Ministry of Environment and Water, in 2006 two live baby crocodiles were confiscated at Sharjah airport coming in from Egypt.

"Crocodiles are still coming into the country because baby crocodiles are really small and can survive packed up in a suitcase with the clothes. It is difficult to find them then. Live animals are automatically confiscated so we know exactly how many there are but we have an even bigger number of trophies and skins," said the officer.

He said the report for 2006 is still being compiled.

In Abu Dhabi, two live baby crocodiles were confiscated from a pet shop in 2006, but the origin of the reptiles is unknown, however the shop owner at the time claimed to have purchased them in Sharjah.

The officer said inspections in pet shops and animal markets take place when they receive complaints. Spontaneous checks are also carried out sometimes.