Medan, N Sumatra, Feb. 9 -- Indonesia's customs and quarantine authorities intercepted 1,984 monitor lizard skins suspected of being smuggled to Malaysia through Teluk Nibung Port in North Sumatra, an official said on Monday.

Teluk Nibung Customs head Nurhasan Ashari said the contraband was discovered on February 8 inside two fiber boxes concealed with sand and shellfish meat.

"The suspected smuggling attempt involved hiding the skins in fiber boxes intended for shipment to Malaysia," Ashari said in a statement.

Authorities said no owner or responsible party was found at the scene during the operation.

Monitor lizards are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (C...