A 45-year-old Mexican firefighter was arrested at Cologne-Bonn Airport on Thursday after customs officials discovered 92 live reptiles, including 37 venomous snakes and 55 lizards, concealed in his luggage. The man, whose name was not released, had hidden the animals in plastic containers, shampoo bottles, socks, and other personal items, according to German customs.
Customs spokesperson Jens Ahland said the case was unprecedented for the airport. “My colleagues are used to many things when it comes to souvenirs in suitcases, but we’ve never had 37 live venomous snakes and 55 lizards from Mexico before,” Ahland told local media . Some of the reptiles died during the journey from Mexico City via Istanbul due to poor conditions.
The man, who appeared nervous during screening, tested positive for cocaine in his blood, prompting further inspection of his baggage. He told police he had transported the animals as a favor for a Brazilian acquaintance. Authorities denied him entry into Germany and returned him to Istanbul on a flight, while the surviving reptiles were transferred to a snake farm in Germany .
