80 alligator heads found at Birmingham house
More than 80 alligator heads have been seized after a raid at a house in the West Midlands.
The heads are thought to have been imported illegally by a trader who has been selling them on for a hefty profit to buyers across the world on eBay, according to West Midlands Police.
They were found during a raid at a property in Perry Barr, Birmingham, the force said.
Nobody has been arrested but a man has been voluntarily interviewed.
The trade of alligators is banned in the UK and in most countries in the world under an international convention.
The house was searched under the Control of Trade of Endangered Species Act after a joint investigation by the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and wildlife crime officer volunteers.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We received information that the heads were being imported from abroad illegally and sold on through eBay to buyers all around the world at a large profit to the seller.
"We carried out a joint investigation with the NWCU culminating in today’s warrant. We believe that the suspect has been illegally importing the heads for some time, with regular sales being seen on eBay.
"The warrant was conducted under the Control of Trade of Endangered Species Act and a 44-year-old man has been voluntarily interviewed."
An eBay spokesman said: "We have blocks in place to prevent listings which are in breach of our animal and wildlife policy.
"We are currently investigating this case and suitable action will be taken against the seller in question. We always cooperate with the relevant authorities and will be assisting the West Midlands Police as necessary."
