Man Arrested at German Airport With More Than 90 Snakes and Lizards

German customs officials have intercepted a Mexican man who allegedly attempted to smuggle more than 90 snakes and lizards through Cologne Bonn Airport.

The 45-year-old man, described as a firefighter, reportedly attracted attention because he appeared unusually nervous while passing through the airport’s green customs channel for passengers with nothing to declare.

According to customs officials, a drug test returned a positive result for cocaine. However, officers found no drugs when they searched his suitcase. Instead, they discovered dozens of reptiles concealed in everyday items.

Venomous snakes hidden in suitcase

The suitcase contained 37 live venomous snakes and 55 lizards, including vipers, rattlesnakes and iguanas, customs spokesman Jens Ahland said.

The animals had reportedly been hidden inside shampoo and cream bottles, plastic containers and balls of socks. Officials said some reptiles were kept in inhumane conditions, while others died during the journey from Mexico City through Istanbul.

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Ahland said airport customs officers regularly encounter unusual souvenirs, but they had never dealt with such a large shipment of live venomous snakes and lizards arriving from Mexico.

Suspect sent back to Istanbul

The man, whose identity was not released, reportedly told customs officers that he was transporting the animals as a favour for a Brazilian acquaintance.

Authorities refused him entry into Germany and sent him back to Istanbul, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the surviving reptiles have been transferred to a snake farm in Germany, where they are receiving care.

Germany reports thousands of wildlife seizures

German customs officials say illegal wildlife trafficking remains a significant concern.

Ahland reported that authorities recorded more than 1,300 seizures nationwide in the previous year. Those operations involved more than 56,600 protected animals, plants and products derived from them.

Cologne Bonn Airport has also dealt with similar cases in the past. Six years ago, customs officers discovered 26 rare reptiles concealed in parcels containing toys and sweets sent from Mexico. Ten of the animals were already dead, and the shipment was reportedly intended for private buyers in Germany.

The latest interception highlights the risks associated with illegal wildlife trafficking, including animal deaths during transport and the concealment of potentially dangerous species in passenger luggage.