just for the record - it was not a huge conch shell - it had already been fished and was not really different than any other sort of abandoned shell -

I did, however, carry it in my carry on as I was afraid it would get broken in my suitcase - I made no secret of it - no attempt to hide it and if they had tried to confiscate it, would have willingly turned it over...

don' know if that means that what I did was legit or that security is lax - it is what it is

great trip - best snorkeling of the trip right in front of Pedros