Border Agents Intercept Smuggling Operation: 163 Exotic Animals Rescued

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver was apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 160 different reptiles and arthropods into Mexico.

On October 22, CBP officers stationed at the Anzalduas International Bridge stopped a silver Toyota as it was attempting to leave the United States and enter Mexico.

According to a statement from CBP, the vehicle was flagged for a secondary inspection.

During this thorough inspection, officers discovered a total of 163 reptiles and arthropods concealed within the vehicle.

24 Royal Pythons
15 Green Anoles
11 Spotted Salamanders
10 Sick Red Eye Tree Frogs
10 Albino Milk Snakes
10 Orange Milk Snakes
10 Mexican Black King Snakes
Four Monarch Ball Pythons
Four Tarantulas
Three yellow Pacman Frogs
Three coffee Pacman Frogs
Three Chilean Rose Tarantulas
Three Irian Jaya Blue Tongued Skinks
Three bearded Dragons
Three Savannah Monitors
Three Rankin Dragons
Three Albino Aberrant Calif. King Snakes
Three Albino Banded Calif. King Snakes
Three Albino Striped Calif. King Snakes
Three Albino/Amelanistic Corn Snakes
Three Black Corn Snakes
Two Ball Pythons
Two Honduran Milk Snakes
Two Ornate Monitor Lizards
Two Chinese Caved Geckos
Two Veiled Chameleons
Two Centipedes
Two Green Tree Pythons
Two High White Calif. King Snakes
One Timor Python
One Carpet Python
One Garter Snake
One Banana Blade Clown
One Banana Spotnose
One Pinstripe Ball Python
One Fire Skink
One Indian Star Tortoise
One Ghost Aztec Jungle Boa
One Female Juvenile Axanthic Banana Ball Python
One Female Juveline Axanthic Banana Lesser Ball Python
One Juveline Axanthic Lesser Ball Python
One Juveline Axanthic Ball Python
One Juvenile Ghost Piebald Ball Python
One Juvenile Piebald Ball Python
One Male Juvenile Axanthic Banana Enchi Ball Python

Following the discovery, CBP officers seized the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations agents detained the driver and launched a criminal probe into the incident. The driver’s identity has not been disclosed by CBP in their statement.

“The smuggling of exotic pets has been on the rise in our area, and we work closely with our partners of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and preserve these creatures and ensure that importations and exportations of wildlife adhere to all applicable federal requirements,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service took custody of the reptiles and spiders.

CBP wants to remind the public that a lawful importation and exportation of wildlife, such as reptiles, requires the completion of the exportation of fish or wildlife; exportation must be done through a designated port and clearance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In most cases, licenses are required, and user fees must be paid.

For more information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service import and export forms.

Border Agents Intercept Smuggling Operation: 163 Exotic Animals Rescued

Up next

Unveiled: Shocking Prison Assault Triggers Massive Officer Walkout – Here’s What Happened

Author

Internewscast

Share article

Rising Tensions: Fears Grow Over Belarus Becoming a Strategic Base for New Russian Offensive in Ukraine

Mass Arrests in Paris: Chaos Erupts as PSG’s Champions League Victory Sparks Riots

New Jersey Voters Question Tom Kean Jr.’s Congressional Absence

U.S. Forces Intercept and Disable Commercial Vessel Attempting Blockade Breach En Route to Iran

Brace Yourself: Sunday Funday Takes a Stormy Twist

Claude Lemieux’s Legacy: Brain Donation to Boston University’s CTE Center for Groundbreaking Research

WHO Director-General Visits Ituri Province in Eastern Congo Amid Escalating Ebola Outbreak

Trump Set to Appeal Ruling Permitting Importers to Claim Refunds on Invalidated Tariffs

Community Unites in Heartfelt Fundraiser to Revive Beloved Tiny Turtle Restaurant After Devastating Fire

Trump Takes Center Stage at Great American State Fair Amid Artist Withdrawals

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo González Demands Presidential Election

Tragic Family Dispute: Man Fatally Shoots Stepfather Amid Heated Argument Over Visitor

Woman Discovered Fatally Stabbed in Building with Prior Murder-Suicide Incident

Trump Halts USA’s 250th Birthday Concert, Criticizes Lineup as ‘Boring

Scandal Unfolds: Sturgeon Stands Firm Amid Ex-Husband’s Criminal Allegations

Border Agents Intercept Smuggling Operation: 163 Exotic Animals Rescued

Up next

Author

Internewscast

Share article

You May Also Like