A man who tried to cross U.S. border agents in California had 52 lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities announced on Tuesday, March 8.
According to the Associated Press, the man was driving a truck when he arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing with Mexico on February 25. When he was pulled out for additional inspection, agents found 52 live reptiles tied up in small bags "which were concealed in the man's jacket, pants pockets, and groin area" according to a statement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
In total, agents seized nine snakes and 43 horned lizards. Authorities said of the species are considered endangered.
“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.”
AP reports the man, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested.