Russian woman accused of trying to smuggle dozens of marine iguanas out of Ecuador

Ecuadorian authorities detained a Russian woman at Quito airport after allegedly finding at least 32 marine iguanas hidden in her suitcase.

The woman was traveling to Iceland and is suspected of trying to smuggle the animals out of Ecuador. The iguanas had been placed in eight plastic containers inside a single suitcase.

Ecuador’s Environment Ministry said the animals were weak and dehydrated when they were discovered. Officials transferred them to a rescue center, where they will remain until their health improves. Marine iguanas are an endangered species native to the Galápagos Islands.