30 Smuggled Crocodiles Seized at Assiut Railway Station

Thirty small crocodiles being smuggled on a train from Aswan to Alexandria were seized at Assiut railway station and transferred to Wadi Al Assiuti Protected Area for monitoring and care.

The Ministry of Local Development and the Environment said the crocodiles measured between 20 cm and 25 cm and were found inside a large blue jerrycan placed in a cooler bag. The animals were reportedly in the possession of an air conditioning technician, and a report was filed over the incident.

Minister Manal Awad directed the formation of a specialist committee from the Nature Reserves Sector to coordinate the handling of the seized reptiles. The crocodiles will remain at Wadi Al Assiuti Protected Area, where they will be fed and monitored until they can be returned to their natural habitat in Lake Nasser.

According to the ministry, the release will take place following authorisation from the public prosecutor and in accordance with the relevant legal and environmental procedures.