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Man Arrested For Allegedly Trying To Smuggle 52 Live Lizards, Snakes In His Clothing

Border agents at the San Ysidro crossing with Mexico reportedly found the animals concealed in his jacket, pants pockets and groin area.
AP
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SAN DIEGO (AP) — A man who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had 52 lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said Tuesday.

The man was driving a truck when he arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing with Mexico on Feb. 25 and was pulled out for additional inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.

The alleged smuggler had dozens of lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said.
The alleged smuggler had dozens of lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said.
via Associated Press

Agents found 52 live reptiles tied up in small bags “which were concealed in the man’s jacket, pants pockets, and groin area,” the statement said.

Nine snakes and 43 horned lizards were seized. Some of the species are considered endangered, authorities said.

Nine snakes and 43 horned lizards were seized.
Nine snakes and 43 horned lizards were seized.
via Associated Press

“Smugglers will try every possible way to try and get their product, or in this case live reptiles, across the border,” said Sidney Aki, Customs and Border Protection director of field operations in San Diego. “In this occasion, the smuggler attempted to deceive CBP officers in order to bring these animals into the US, without taking care for the health and safety of the animals.”

The man, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested.

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