Morocco recovers dinosaur teeth from France

Morocco has successfully recovered a significant collection of dinosaur fossils, including teeth dating back 66 to 72 million years, from France. These paleontological treasures were seized by French customs officials in Menton in February 2025. They were discovered inside a fast-freight truck attempting to smuggle them illegally from Spain to Italy, originating from Morocco.

The recovered items comprise nine fossils, primarily teeth belonging to extinct marine reptiles and ancient crocodile-like species. These specimens were extracted from Morocco's geological basins. The successful retrieval underscores the close coordination between Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and French authorities.

This operation exemplifies the shared commitment between the two nations to combat the illicit trade of cultural property. It also reinforces Morocco's dedication to preserving its natural and geological heritage for future generations. The recovery is a testament to the effective bilateral cooperation in protecting cultural and natural patrimony.