EU Assistance with Gaza Border Security

And now for something a bit different. The BBC reports that an EU monitoring group, which has been assisting with Gaza border security since November 2005, has stopped a Gaza woman who had three live crocodiles strapped to her stomach. It's not April Fool's Day yet, so this is apparently a real news item. Enjoy, Wendy in Washington

EU snaps up Gaza croc woman

A Palestinian woman was found to have three live crocodiles strapped to her stomach when she was stopped by EU officials at Gaza's border with Egypt.

The reptiles, each around 40-50cm (15-20 inches) long, were taped to the woman's body beneath her dress.

But despite her loose fitting robe, suspicions were raised by her girth, an EU spokeswoman told the BBC.

The woman told border guards she intended to sell the crocodiles to a zoo in Gaza City.

She was stopped last week but later released.

The reptiles were sent back to Egypt....
[remainder, including smuggling attempts of two lion cubs, at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6495491.stm]