Elephant Meat, Dead Primate Among Unusual Items Seized At LAX

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Customs officials seized a half pound of elephant meat, a dead primate and nearly 400 handbags made out of reptile skins over a four day period at Los Angeles International Airport, officials announced Monday.

The unusual seizures started on May 6 when officials confiscated 387 purses made out of prohibited snake, lizard and crocodile skins.

The handbags were made out of "protected animal skins including 98 of African rock pythons, 19 of monitor lizards, 85 of dwarf crocodiles as well as 179 of cobras and 6 of puff adder snakes, were found during a baggage inspection of a 31-year-old male passenger."

The elephant meat, which originated from Thailand and bound for Fresno, was discovered on May 9.

The dead primate from Indonesia, which was declared as a gift and addressed to a location in Florida, was seized a day later.

Both items were discovered at an international mail facility.

All items were turned over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.