Customs officers at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport have seized 30 reptiles from a passenger flying from Dubai, the Federal Customs Service said on Oct. 30.

"The 19-year old Russian national carrying 30 reptiles in his luggage was detained during customs procedures," the service said, adding that the passenger had no permission for the transportation of the reptiles, 28 lizards and two snakes.

The passenger explained that he was a veterinary student and had purchased the reptiles in Hong Kong in order to keep them as pets.

The reptiles have been confiscated and sent to a wildlife rehabilitation center for examination. A decision to open a criminal or administrative case will be made after that, the customs service said.