Cologne Airport customs seize 92 reptiles smuggled from Mexico

German customs officials at Cologne/Bonn Airport intercepted a 45-year-old Mexican man attempting to smuggle 92 reptiles. The shipment included 37 venomous snakes, such as vipers and rattlesnakes, and 55 lizards, including iguanas and salamanders.

The animals were found hidden in various containers, including shampoo and cream bottles, plastic tubs, and socks. The discovery occurred after the passenger, a firefighter by profession, exhibited nervous behavior and tested positive for cocaine during a drug screening. While no narcotics were found in his luggage, the reptile seizure was unprecedented for the airport.

The man claimed he was transporting the animals as a favor to a Brazilian acquaintance. Due to the inhumane transport conditions, approximately 30 of the reptiles died during or shortly after the journey. The surviving animals were transferred to a specialized snake farm near Braunschweig for care. The individual was denied entry to Germany and deported to Istanbul.