According to US Customs and Border Protection, a 30-year-old guy was apprehended after attempting to cross the US border wearing clothing loaded to the brim with snakes and horned lizards. Officers asked for a personal and vehicle check of the individual as he traveled through the San Ysidro border from Mexico. 43 horned lizards and 9 snakes were meticulously packaged and brought into the nation beneath his jacket, in his pants pockets, and around his crotch.
In a statement, CBP Director of Field Operations in San Diego Sidney Aki stated, “Smugglers will attempt every feasible means to get their merchandise, or in this instance live reptiles, across the border.” “On this instance, the smuggler sought to deceive CBP agents in order to transport these animals into the United States without regard for the animals’ health and safety.” CBP executes hundreds of laws for over 40 different government agencies at the border, in part to assist deter smuggling activities like this that might lead to the trafficking of potentially endangered species.”
The man was arrested and sent to a jail facility after all of the live animals were confiscated. Officials have not said what charges the guy may face, although smuggling live animals is a federal offense punishable by up to 20 years in jail and a substantial fine.
The driver and vehicle were submitted for additional scrutiny by the CBP inspector. A personal check of the driver was undertaken during the examination, and CBP officials discovered numerous bags of live animals. CBP investigators discovered 52 packages of reptiles hidden in the man’s jacket, pants pockets, and crotch area, subsequently identified as 43 horned lizards and nine snakes. “Smugglers will attempt everything to get their stuff across the border, in this instance live reptiles,” said Sidney Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations in San Diego.
“On this instance, the smuggler sought to deceive CBP agents in order to transport these animals into the United States without regard for the animals’ health and safety.” CBP executes hundreds of laws for over 40 different government agencies at the border, in part to assist deter smuggling activities like this that might lead to the trafficking of potentially endangered species.”
