NEW GUINEA — First someone tried to smuggle a python in a computer past airport security, now we’ve got a lizard in a pipe.

Reptiles are the new carry-on, haven’t you heard?

Earlier this month, a passenger was flagged at Sentani International Airport in the Indonesian territory of New Guinea for packing a big metal pipe in their suitcase, because nothing says “I’m not carrying anything suspicious” like a big metal pipe.

When airport officials inspected the item, they discovered something stuffed inside it. The passenger claimed the pipe was packed with clothes (we never said the guy was particularly bright).

 Shockingly (insert sarcasm here), the officials weren’t so easily fooled and withdrew a monitor lizard, also known as ‘the Papuan’ or crocodile monitor’, from the metal object. The lizard, which is endemic to New Guinea and can grow up to eight feet long, was likely stolen from a local swamp or rainforest in the southeastern part of the island to be sold on the black market.

Traffic Southeast Asia, which monitors the trade of wild plants and animals, commended airport officials on Facebook. “A round of applause for Aviation security and quarantine officials in Jayapura, Indonesia who weren’t fooled by a declaration of ‘clothes’ on a consignment. Live reptiles for the pet trade are often smuggled in luggage through airports. Think before you buy and report wildlife crime,” they wrote.

No word as to where the lizard is today but we’re hoping he’s back at the swamp and reunited with his reptilian friends. We love a happy ending!