French customs seize dinosaur teeth found in lorry

BBC - Feb 15th, 2025

French customs officers made an unusual discovery of nine dinosaur teeth during a routine check of a Spanish lorry near the Italian border on the A8 motorway. The fossils, found in two parcels, were later identified as belonging to reptiles from the Late Cretaceous period in Morocco. Among the finds were teeth from a Zarafasaura oceanis, Mosasaurus, and Dyrosaurus phosphaticus. The lorry driver claimed the parcels were destined for recipients in Genoa and Milan, though officials are still working to identify the intended recipients. Collecting fossils is legal, but exporting them often requires a licence, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.

This discovery highlights the surprising nature of customs inspections and the importance of monitoring cross-border shipments for a variety of contraband, including unexpected items like fossils. The event underscores the need for international cooperation in the regulation of fossil trade, particularly given the historical and scientific significance of such artifacts. The case also serves as a reminder of the ongoing interest in prehistoric life and the legal nuances that accompany the trade of paleontological finds.

Morocco French Customs Dinosaur Teeth A8 Motorway Zarafasaura Oceanis Mosasaurus Dyrosaurus Phosphaticus Fossil Trade

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story is a well-reported piece that accurately conveys the discovery of dinosaur teeth by French customs officers near the Italian border. It provides a clear and engaging account of the events, supported by credible sources. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency regarding the examination process and the investigation into the intended recipients of the parcels. While the story maintains a balanced perspective and is timely and relevant, it could further explore the broader implications of fossil trade and the legalities involved to enhance public interest and engagement. Overall, the article is a reliable source of information on an intriguing and newsworthy topic, with room for deeper analysis and context to maximize its impact.

Accuracy

The news story is factually accurate, with key claims about the discovery of dinosaur teeth by French customs officers being well-supported by multiple sources. The details regarding the location, date, and the examination by a prehistory museum are consistent with the information provided by credible sources. The species identification of the teeth and their origin from the late Cretaceous period in Morocco are also corroborated by external references. However, there are minor areas where additional verification could enhance the story's precision, such as the specific examination process used by the museum and the current status of the investigation into the intended recipients of the parcels.

Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective, focusing primarily on the factual recounting of the discovery and subsequent actions by authorities. While it provides a detailed account of the customs operation and the scientific analysis of the teeth, it does not delve into the broader implications or potential controversies surrounding fossil smuggling. The story could benefit from including perspectives from paleontologists or legal experts on the implications of fossil trade and export laws. Nevertheless, the article avoids any overt bias or favoritism towards any particular viewpoint.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy for readers to follow the sequence of events. The logical flow from the discovery of the teeth to the subsequent examination and legal considerations is maintained throughout the story. The tone is neutral and informative, appropriate for a news report. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations or background information on the significance of the fossil species mentioned could improve comprehension for readers unfamiliar with paleontology.

Source quality

The story cites French customs officials and the AFP news agency, which are generally reliable sources for news of this nature. However, the article would be strengthened by including direct quotes from the museum experts who examined the fossils or additional authoritative sources in paleontology. The reliance on a limited number of sources may restrict the depth of the information provided, but the sources used are credible and relevant to the subject matter.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the events but lacks detailed transparency regarding the methodology used for examining the fossils and the criteria for identifying the species. There is also limited disclosure about the investigation's progress concerning the intended recipients of the parcels. While the basic facts are presented transparently, a more thorough explanation of these aspects would enhance the reader's understanding of the story's context and the complexities involved in fossil identification and legal exportation.