Border Officials Confiscate 163 Exotic Animals in Smuggling Bust

Share and Follow

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents while allegedly attempting to transport over 160 different reptile and arthropod species across the border into Mexico.

On October 22, officers at the Anzalduas International Bridge encountered a silver Toyota attempting to exit the U.S. towards Mexico.

As detailed in a CBP news release, the car was designated for a more thorough secondary inspection.

During this in-depth examination, CBP officers uncovered 163 concealed reptiles and arthropods within the vehicle, which included a wide variety of species.

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

CBP officers seized the vehicle and Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver, initiating a criminal investigation. CBP did not identify the driver in the news release.

“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.

Share and Follow

Facebook X Reddit Pinterest

Border Officials Confiscate 163 Exotic Animals in Smuggling Bust

Up next

JD Vance Sparks Debate with Bold Call to Reduce Legal Immigration at Turning Point Event

Author

NewsFinale Journal

Share and Follow

Royal Family Reunion at Sandringham: Prince William, Kate, King Charles & Camilla Gather in Style

Colorado Mother, Jess Sandoval, Raises Awareness on Button Battery Dangers in Christmas Toys Following Daughter’s Incident

Hundreds of Chicago Families Celebrate Christmas Eve with Free Toys from I Am A Gentleman Giveaway

Unpacking the Knicks’ Recurring Struggles: Can They Overcome Their Persistent Challenges?

Unraveling the Enigma: The Unsolved Christmas Eve Fire That Claimed Five Young Lives

Outrage Erupts in New York: The Times Square Christmas Billboard That’s Stirring Controversy

Dramatic Bodycam Video Captures Tension as Officer Confronts Trooper Escorting Local Representative

California Faces Unprecedented Second Wave of Devastating Flash Floods: What You Need to Know

Trump Orders Major Offensive Against ISIS Terrorists in Nigeria

Haven of Mercy Provides Holiday Shelter for Many in Need

Unveiling the Real Faces Behind Futurama’s Iconic Characters: Meet the Cast in Real Life!

Border Officials Confiscate 163 Exotic Animals in Smuggling Bust

Up next

Author

NewsFinale Journal

Share and Follow

You May Also Like