U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers got quite a shock when they found 39 live pythons hidden inside a vehicle attempting to cross into Mexico..
The CBP Office of Field Operations officers in Laredo, Texas, were working at the World Trade Bridge earlier this month when they encountered a 2021 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. As is often done, the driver, truck, and trailer were selected for inspection by the officers.
The driver gave a negative declaration for prohibited goods. However, during the inspection of the tractor-trailer, the CBO officers located 39 pythons concealed within the vehicle. It turned out that, much like a woman in Florida who recently drove her car to a fire station with a python in her dashboard, this driver also knew the snakes were in there.
The pythons were taken into the custody of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials. The pythons were then moved to a controlled environment because of their condition.
A number of national and international laws must be followed when exporting live reptiles from the United States to Mexico. Therefore, the driver of the tractor-trailer received $34,824 in export violation penalties.
Both the trailer and tractor were confiscated by the CBP officers. Homeland Security Investigations and the Fish and Wildlife Service are still looking into the situation.
“The interception of live pythons at the World Trade Bridge highlights the vigilance and dedication of our CBP officers in enforcing laws that protect both our borders and our environment,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP remains committed to preventing the illegal importation and exportation of wildlife and ensuring compliance with all federal regulations.”