Customs officers handed the animals over to zoo officials.

The amphibians were discovered in bags that the accompanying documents said contained toys, but the X-ray inspection revealed otherwise.

Budapest Zoo staff found that there were 93 live spotted salamanders in the bags.

According to specialists, the animals are endangered and their transport abroad is subject to a permit.

The estimated value of the salamanders exceeds Ft 4.6 million.


Photo courtesy: Hungarian Tax Authority