French Customs Uncover Dinosaur Teeth in Routine Check

On January 28, 2023, customs agents conducting random checks on the A8 motorway between Spain and Italy discovered nine dinosaur teeth, highlighting the unusual yet significant nature of the find.

During a regular customs check along the A8 motorway on January 28, French officers stumbled upon an astonishing discovery: nine dinosaur teeth hidden within two parcels in a Spanish lorry. This routine inspection took place near the Italian border, where the customs agents often stop vehicles for potential drug smuggling.

The seized items were sent to a prehistory museum in Menton for further examination, where experts confirmed the teeth belonged to ancient reptiles from the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago. Among the finds were teeth from the Mosasaurus, a formidable aquatic predator that could reach lengths of up to 12 meters, and Zarafasaura oceanis, a smaller marine reptile about 3 meters long.

Additionally, five teeth were identified as belonging to Dyrosaurus phosphaticus, an ancestor of today’s crocodiles. The driver of the lorry claimed he was transporting the parcels to recipients in the Italian cities of Genoa and Milan, leaving authorities to investigate the intended recipients of these rare items.

While fossil collecting is permissible, the exportation of such specimens often necessitates a legal license. This unexpected discovery serves as a reminder of Italy and France's rich prehistoric past, alongside the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting these ancient resources.