France Returns Nine Dinosaur Fossils Over 70 Million Years Old to Morocco

In February 2025, French Customs (Menton – Alpes-Maritimes) seized nine fossilized dinosaur teeth from an express freight truck traveling between Spain and Italy. These fossils, originating from the Moroccan geological basin, date back to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago.

Thanks to close collaboration among French Customs, the French Ministry of Culture, and the French Embassy in Morocco, these fossils have been successfully returned to their country of origin.

The confiscated lot included:

• One tooth from the Plesiosaur Zarafasaura oceanis (a marine reptile known for its long neck).
• Three teeth from a Mosasaur (a marine reptile made famous by the film Jurassic World).
• Five fossilized teeth likely belonging to a Dyrosaurus phosphaticus (a distant relative of modern crocodiles).

This repatriation highlights the importance of international cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage and natural history.

Watch the video report here.