Smuggled butterfly find in Serbia

By Nick Hawton
BBC News, Belgrade

The authorities in Serbia have intercepted an illegal package containing 98 rare butterflies originating from the Solomon Islands.

The butterflies are believed to be worth more than $10,000 (£5,000) on the black market.

The dead butterflies were wrapped in paper and stuffed in a cardboard box.

The butterflies are protected under an international convention on endangered species and require special licences for import and export.

The butterflies were intercepted by Serbia's customs department in Belgrade.

Forged documents

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.