Photos show Chinese authorities rolling them out one by one: python skins adorned with nature’s intricate patterning. The 68,000 skins were recovered this week as part of what may be the largest python skin smuggling case ever, according to the Los Angeles Times, which cited Chinese media.

Customs agents in Haikou, a city in China’s southern province of Hainan, confiscated the skins, estimated to be worth $48 million. The smugglers claimed the items would be used in traditional Chinese musical instruments. According to the Los Angeles Times, Chinese media reported that at least one suspect said the company used fake customs declaration forms to import python skins and eggs. On January 29, authorities arrested 16 people across