Man with suitcase full of snakes stopped at German airport

A 45-year-old Mexican firefighter was detained at Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany while attempting to smuggle over 90 lizards and venomous snakes into the country. Customs officials noted the man appeared "conspicuously nervous" as he attempted to pass through the green exit without declaring anything. Prior to inspecting his suitcase, the man underwent a drug test, which revealed a positive result for cocaine.

Upon further examination, authorities discovered live snakes and lizards concealed within shampoo and cream bottles, plastic containers, and balls of socks, including iguanas, vipers, and rattlesnakes. Cologne Customs spokesman Jens Ahland revealed that this was the first time they had encountered 37 live venomous snakes and 55 lizards from Mexico in a single case.

Some of the snakes were found in "inhumane conditions," while others had perished during the journey from Mexico City to Istanbul. The man, who has not been named, claimed he had transported the animals as a favor for a Brazilian acquaintance. He was denied entry to Germany and repatriated to Istanbul. The surviving snakes are currently housed at a snake farm in Germany.

According to the customs spokesman, last year, over 1,300 seizures nationwide involved more than 56,600 protected animals and plants or products made from them. Six years ago, customs officials at Cologne Bonn Airport intercepted 26 rare reptiles, including 10 dead, hidden inside toy and candy parcels from Mexico destined for private German buyers.