Haneda Airport customs officials arrest man for smuggling 200 lizards

A 23-year-old Mexican man was arrested at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport after customs officials discovered approximately 200 lizards hidden inside 22 pairs of socks in his suitcase. The individual had arrived at the airport from South Korea on August 8.

Among the smuggled reptiles were nine endangered Mexican alligator lizards, a species subject to international trade restrictions. Reports indicate the man allegedly purchased the lizards in Mexico for between $3.50 and $4.70 each, while some species can fetch up to $630 in Japan. One of the animals was found dead when the luggage was inspected.