Wednesday13 November 2024
nbn.in.ua

Kyiv customs officials seized a sperm whale tooth from a parcel.

The artifact was attempted to be smuggled into the United States under the guise of a souvenir.
Киевские таможенники изъяли из посылки зуб кашалота.

The artifact was attempted to be exported to the United States disguised as a souvenir

Customs officials in Kyiv prevented the illegal export of a unique sperm whale tooth.

As reported by the customs press service, the tooth was discovered in a postal shipment heading from Kyiv to the USA.

Experts from the National Museum of Natural History confirmed the natural origin of the find. It is believed that the tooth arrived in Ukraine during the active period of the Odesa whaling fleet.

“The item was presented as an amateur souvenir: a drawing depicting a military ship in Sevastopol Bay was applied to the polished surface. This tooth possesses certain scientific, museum, and educational value. It is recommended for inclusion in the Museum Fund of Ukraine,” the statement reads.

According to the Washington Convention CITES, it is necessary to obtain permit documents in advance for the export of any animal or plant, whether alive or dead, and for any easily recognizable part or derivative thereof. At the time of customs inspection, such documents were not provided, therefore the tooth was seized, and a protocol was drawn up against the sender under Article 473 of the Customs Code of Ukraine.