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Unexpected Discovery: Nine Dinosaur Teeth Found in French Customs Check
During a routine customs inspection near the Italian border, French customs officials uncovered a surprising find—nine dinosaur teeth. This discovery took place on January 28 while officers were examining a Spanish lorry traveling on the A8 motorway, which connects Spain and Italy.
The officers identified what appeared to be fossilized remains within two parcels, prompting them to transfer the items to a prehistory museum located in Menton for further analysis. According to experts, the recovered teeth date back to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago, and originate from Morocco.
French customs frequently monitor lorries on the A8, as these vehicles are often subject to random checks due to the potential for smuggling illicit substances. Samantha Verduron, a customs agent, explained to AFP that while drug seizures are common, the fossil find was particularly unexpected.
Among the identified teeth, one was attributed to the Zarafasaura oceanis, a marine reptile that measures around 3 meters (about 10 feet) and was first described in Morocco in 2011. Additionally, three teeth were confirmed to belong to a Mosasaurus, a formidable aquatic predator that could grow to lengths of up to 12 meters. The remaining five teeth are believed to have belonged to a Dyrosaurus phosphaticus, which is part of a lineage related to modern crocodiles.
When questioned, the lorry driver revealed that the parcels were intended for recipients in the Italian cities of Genoa and Milan. French authorities are currently investigating to determine the intended recipients of these fossilized treasures. Although collecting fossils is permitted under certain circumstances, exporting them often requires appropriate licensing to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
Source
www.bbc.com