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German customs officials discovered 90 lizards and venomous snakes hidden in a Mexican traveler's luggage at Cologne airport. The man, who tested positive for cocaine, was denied entry and flown back to Istanbul.
German customs officials discovered 90 lizards and venomous snakes hidden in the luggage of a Mexican traveler at Cologne Bonn Airport. The 45-year-old man, identified by authorities as a firefighter, was stopped after behaving in a "nervous" manner while attempting to pass through the green, nothing-to-declare exit.
Authorities initially administered a drug test to the traveler, which returned positive for cocaine. Following the positive result, officials searched his suitcase. Instead of narcotics, they found approximately 90 snakes and lizards concealed in plastic containers, shampoo and cream bottles, and balls of socks.
The animals included vipers, rattlesnakes, and various species of lizard, such as iguanas. While most were alive upon discovery, the customs office stated that about 30 died during and after the journey. The surviving animals are currently being cared for at a snake farm in central Germany.
Jens Ahland, a spokesman for the Cologne Customs office, noted the unusual nature of the seizure. "My colleagues at the airport are used to all sorts of travel souvenirs in suitcases, but we've never had 37 venomous snakes and 55 lizards from Mexico before," Ahland said. He added, "It's distressing to see what some people do to animals out of sheer greed for profit."
Ahland also mentioned that some of the animals were being kept "in inhumane conditions." According to the customs spokesman, last year saw over 1,300 seizures nationwide involving more than 56,600 protected animals and plants or products made from them.
The traveler, who flew from Mexico City via Istanbul, told officers that he had brought the animals to Germany as a favor for a Brazilian acquaintance. Authorities did not release the man's name.
German authorities denied him entry to the country. He was flown back to Istanbul the day after his arrival.
This incident highlights ongoing efforts by German customs to combat wildlife trafficking. The Cologne Customs office reported that six years ago, 26 rare reptiles, 10 of which were dead, were found smuggled inside parcels of toys and sweets from Mexico at the same airport. These items were destined for private buyers in Germany.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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