A US man tried to take a flight with 15 lizards strapped to his chest.

The smuggler was arrested after he was caught with the live reptiles tied to his

chest as he tried to get through security at Los Angeles International Airport.

Michael Plank was returning to the country from Australia, when it was discovered

he had two geckos, two monitor lizards and 11 skinks under his clothing.

Authorities say the lizards are worth more than $8,500.

Australian reptiles are strictly regulated and the 40-year-old smuggler was not

in possession of a permit required to import them.

Source of the materials: stv