Police seize rare-species skins in luxury stores

Six posh stores on elegant Rodeo Drive have been raided by state officials who confiscated illegal merchandise made from the skins of endangered species - including $3,200 crocodile purses.

In cash value the seizures of reptile-skin merchandise represented the largest such seizures ever made in the state.

More than $58,000 worth of clothing accessories and shoes made from crocodiles and pythons were seized.