SAN YSIDRO, Calif. (KNX) — Border agents in California recovered 52 lizards and snakes hidden in a man’s clothing as he attempted to cross the border into the United States from Mexico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection disclosed Tuesday.
The man was driving a truck when he arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing on Feb. 25, at around 3 a.m. A CBP officer inspecting the truck referred the drifter for further, personal inspection.
Upon further inspection, agents found 52 live reptiles contained in small bags “concealed in the man’s jacket, pants pockets, and groin area,” according to a statement.
Agents seized nine snakes and 43 horned lizards. Some of the species recovered are considered endangered, CBP said.
The suspect was described as a 30-year-old male citizen of the U.S.
“Smugglers will try every possible way to try and get their product, or in this case live reptiles, across the border,” said Sidney Aki, a CBP field director in San Diego. “[On] 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.”
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