Customs authorities in Belgrade, Serbia intercepted a package containing 98 rare butterflies that originated in the Solomon Islands. The endangered butterflies are estimated to be worth more than $13,000 on the black market, and are protected under an international convention on endangered species and require special licences for import and export.
Serbia's environmental protection agency said the butterflies were being imported with forged documents.
It is believed they were destined for illegal sale in Serbia and could have fetched as much as $13,000.
They had originated from the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. It has been reported that the person who was to receive the package will be charged with smuggling.
The illegal trade in rare animals can be a lucrative business in the Balkans.
The Serbian authorities recently stepped up their efforts to tackle the smugglers. [story]
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