Röszke border seizure: 3,209 medicinal leeches confiscated

Authorities at the Röszke border crossing in Hungary seized 3,209 medicinal leeches (Hirudo verbana) being smuggled by a Turkish citizen. The shipment was intended for use in leech therapy, a practice where leeches are applied to skin to draw blood and deliver biologically active substances.

The leeches are a species of community importance within the European Union and are listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning their commercial trade requires specific permits. The estimated conservation value of the seized specimens is approximately 80 million Hungarian Forints, though the actual market value may differ. The Kiskunsági Nemzeti Park assisted in identifying the species, and the specimens have been transferred to the Szegedi Vadaspark for preservation.