Border authorities find 52 reptiles hidden in man’s clothing
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A man who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had 52 lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said Tuesday.
The man was driving a truck when he arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing with Mexico on Feb. 25 and was pulled out for additional inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.
Agents found 52 live reptiles tied up in small bags “which were concealed in the man’s jacket, pants pockets, and groin area,” the statement said.
Nine snakes and 43 horned lizards were seized. Some of the species are considered endangered, authorities said.
“Smugglers will try every possible way to try and get their product, or in this case live reptiles, across the border,” said Sidney Aki, Customs and Border Protection director of field operations in San Diego. “In this occasion, the smuggler attempted to deceive CBP officers in order to bring these animals into the US, without taking care for the health and safety of the animals.”
The man, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested.
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World Wildlife Foundation via AP
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World Wildlife Foundation via AP
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World Wildlife Foundation via AP
In this undated photo, a twin slug snake rests on a leaf. The snake is among 224 new species listed in the World Wildlife Fund's latest update on the Mekong region.
Ghostly monkey among 224 new species in Asia’s Mekong region
World Wildlife Foundation via AP
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World Wildlife Foundation via AP
In this undated photo, a Doi Phu Kha newt sits on a branch. The newt is among 224 new species listed in the World Wildlife Fund's latest update on the Mekong region.
Ghostly monkey among 224 new species in Asia’s Mekong region
World Wildlife Foundation via AP
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World Wildlife Foundation via AP
In this undated photo, a Popa langur moves along a forest floor. The monkey is the only mammal among 224 new species listed in the World Wildlife Fund's latest update on the Mekong region.
Ghostly monkey among 224 new species in Asia’s Mekong region
Nguyen Van Tan
In this undated photo, a frilled tree frog rests on a leaf. The frog is among 224 new species listed in the World Wildlife Fund's latest update on the Mekong region. (World Wildlife Foundation via AP)
Nguyen Van Tan
In this undated photo, a frilled tree frog rests on a leaf. The frog is among 224 new species listed in the World Wildlife Fund's latest update on the Mekong region. (World Wildlife Foundation via AP)
Border authorities find 52 reptiles hidden in man’s clothing
U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP
This February 2022 photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows snakes in bags found hidden under and in a man's clothes by CBP officers at the San Ysidro, Calif., port of entry. An alleged smuggler who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had dozens of lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP
This February 2022 photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows snakes in bags found hidden under and in a man's clothes by CBP officers at the San Ysidro, Calif., port of entry. An alleged smuggler who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had dozens of lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
Border authorities find 52 reptiles hidden in man’s clothing
U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP
This undated photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows horned lizards found during a smuggling attempt at the San Diego border. An alleged smuggler who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had dozens of lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said Tuesday, March 8, 2022.Â
U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP
This undated photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows horned lizards found during a smuggling attempt at the San Diego border. An alleged smuggler who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had dozens of lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said Tuesday, March 8, 2022.Â
