The two Romanian tourists who stuffed 13 iguanas into socks and smuggled them out of the Bahamas last month were a part of an international illegal racket which sells the critically endangered animals for thousands of dollars, according to Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage.
Mr Nottage said officials learned that there were plans to sell the male San Salvador rock iguanas for $10,000 and the females for $30,000.
It is believed that the animals were caught in New Providence.
When the women were stopped at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 by United Kingdom customs officers on February 4, the iguanas were concealed in a suitcase.
Officials believe they were attempting to smuggle the iguanas into Dusseldorf, Germany.
Tragically, only 12 of the iguanas survived the journey. Dr Nottage said authorities found that they initially intended to smuggle more than 50 iguanas.
The two women, ages 24 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of importation offences.
