Bulgarian customs officials seize 51 smuggled snakes near Vidin

Customs officials, along with representatives from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water, discovered 51 live reptiles hidden in a truck near the Vidin Customs Bureau. The vehicle was traveling from Western Europe toward the Middle East.

During a thorough inspection of the truck's cabin and compartments, inspectors found 36 ball pythons concealed inside bundles of cotton socks secured with zip ties. Additionally, 12 baby Honduran milk snakes and three adult specimens of the same species were found in plastic boxes.

The investigation determined that the 36 ball pythons are a species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). None of the 51 reptiles were accompanied by the required legal documentation for transport or origin.

Authorities have issued an act for administrative violations against the driver. The seized snakes are being transported to the Sofia Zoo for specialized care and housing.