A Canadian man has been arrested for carrying a baby crocodile skull at Indira Gandhi International Airport in India.

According to Delhi Customs, the 32-year-old was intending to fly from New Delhi back home to Canada on Monday but ran into trouble during a security check.

Custom officers examined his baggage and discovered a skull with sharp teeth that resembled the jaw of a baby crocodile wrapped in cloth.

It weighed about 777 grams.

The Department of Forests and Wildlife were called in to conduct a diagnostic test and confirmed the skull belonged to a protected species.

“The texture, tooth pattern, well-developed bony palate, and nostrils confirmed the item as the skull of a baby crocodile,” Delhi Customs said in a statement.

The passenger was arrested and investigations are continuing.

The skull was seized and handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for further testing.

“This case highlights a serious violation of wildlife and customs laws,” Delhi Customs said.

“Collaboration between Customs and Forest Departments is crucial to ensuring such protected wildlife items are not smuggled.”