French Customs Seize 200 Rare Fossils in Smuggling Bust

Significant seizure on the RN 83, heading towards Strasbourg. During a check in early December 2024, the customs officers of Mulhouse discovered what they describe as a "paleontological treasure" hidden in a utility vehicle coming from Belfort (Territoire de Belfort). In total, nearly 200 fossils were hidden in crates. Two retirees were on board the vehicle. According to their explanations, they were returning from a mineral fair in Belfort.

The analysis of the stones was entrusted to a paleontologist expert from the University of Strasbourg with the DRAC Grand-Est. "For 67 specimens, these are paleontological assets dated several hundred million years old: ammonites, plant fossils, fish, sea urchins, animal rostra and trilobites, from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic periods," reports franceinfo.

The retirees were unable to present the documents proving the import, possession, and circulation of the objects. As a result, the fossils were seized. "The 67 specimens seized, originating from different countries (Morocco, Niger, Madagascar, Brazil, Lebanon and the United States), some of which are rare, could be returned to the University of Strasbourg with the paleontological collections department," specifies the customs service.

And to add: "If necessary, some specimens will be used to raise public awareness of the ethical, cultural and environmental issues that the commercialization of a universal heritage (sometimes going as far as the looting and destruction of paleontological sites) can raise."