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Mexican man stopped at German airport with suitcase containing over 90 venomous snakes and lizards
Overview
A 45-year-old Mexican firefighter was stopped at Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany after attempting to smuggle over 90 lizards and venomous snakes hidden in shampoo bottles, cream containers, and socks. Customs officials found the animals after the man tested positive for cocaine. Some of the reptiles had died during the journey from Mexico City via Istanbul, while the surviving animals were taken to a German snake farm. The man was denied entry and flown back to Istanbul.
Key points
- A 45-year-old Mexican man was intercepted at Cologne Bonn Airport for attempting to smuggle over 90 reptiles.
- The suitcase contained 37 live venomous snakes—including vipers and rattlesnakes—and 55 lizards, such as iguanas.
- Animals were hidden inside shampoo bottles, cream containers, and balls of socks, with some found dead.
- The suspect tested positive for cocaine during a check by customs officials.
- The man claimed he transported the animals as a favour for a Brazilian acquaintance.
- He was denied entry to Germany and flown back to Istanbul, while surviving animals were placed at a German snake farm.