Polish customs officers have seized nearly five kilograms of protected coral reef fragments at Warsaw’s main airport after finding them in a traveller’s luggage on his return from the Seychelles.
Officers from Poland’s National Revenue Administration (KAS) intercepted the haul at Chopin Airport. They stopped a man arriving via Abu Dhabi after he passed through the green channel, indicating he had nothing to declare.
However, a detailed inspection of his luggage revealed 361 pieces of coral skeletons. The fragments, made of limestone, weighed close to five kilograms.
Polish customs officials said the traveller told officers he had collected the coral on a beach in the Seychelles as souvenirs. The specimens are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which strictly controls the trade and movement of endangered plants and animals, including corals.
Because the man did not have the required CITES permits, Polish officers confiscated the coral. Authorities are now treating the case as part of a criminal investigation.
Polish officials said proceedings were launched under national nature protection laws. These laws ban the intentional destruction, removal or transport of protected species and their habitats. Penalties can include fines, restrictions on liberty or imprisonment.
Polish customs authorities used the case to warn travellers against taking natural items from beaches or reefs.
“Instead of collecting coral, it’s better to take a photograph,” they said, adding that photographs are legal and do not harm fragile ecosystems.