Bulgaria customs seize two million live baby eels Published duration 23 January 2015

image copyright Science Photo Library image caption The European eel is a critically endangered species

Customs officials in Bulgaria have seized two million live baby eels hidden in luggage.

Two Chinese men arriving from Madrid were detained at Sofia airport for trying to smuggle the eels in eight containers.

Officials said that the tiny eels, known as elvers, had been declared as food items.

The European eel is classified as a critically endangered species and cannot be exported outside the region.

Their sale is also heavily regulated within the EU.

Elvers are seen by some as a delicacy. Just 1kg (2.2lb) can fetch up to €1,300 (£1000; $1500) in Asia, according to customs officials.

The eels had been placed in bags filled with water and are believed to have been worth several thousand euros.

A rescue centre at an aquarium in the coastal city of Varna has taken them in.

The European eel is protected by an international agreement and trading in the species without a permit is forbidden worldwide.