During a routine traffic stop in Polk County, Florida, a startling discovery awaited the Florida Highway Patrol officers—a collection of 13 live iguanas, bound with zip ties, lying in the back of a truck.
The officers had stopped 32-year-old Rendon Casildo-Acdiel at approximately 6:30 a.m. on April 30. His Ford F150 was towing a utility trailer without a functioning light for the license plate, prompting the stop, according to the troopers.
Upon searching the vehicle, they stumbled upon the iguanas, casually piled with their feet restrained, as reported by local station Fox 13.
In addition to the reptiles, Casildo-Acdiel was transporting five coolers filled with iced tilapia.
Casildo-Acdiel explained to the officers that he was in Florida to collect coconuts from Miami and fish from Polk County before returning to his home in North Carolina, according to Fox 13.
However, the FHP noted that such a long journey for items easily found in North Carolina seemed unnecessary, as covered by Polk County’s News Channel 8.
After conducting a check cops discovered that Casildo-Acdiel had a suspended Georgia license and no Florida license.
When questioned, Casildo-Acdiel told the troopers he had failed to complete court requirements in Georgia for a ticket and was aware that his license was suspended, authorities said.
Casildo-Acdiel was arrested and now faces a charge of driving with a suspended license, according to FOX 13.
A check also showed that the driver had outstanding warrants from three different agencies.
The iguanas were reportedly taken to a local shelter.
It remains unclear if Casildo-Acdiel will be charged in connection with the reptiles.
