Mexican firefighter stopped with 92 snakes in suitcase at German airport

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 11:32 · Archive

A Mexican firefighter was stopped at Cologne Airport with 37 venomous snakes and 55 lizards hidden in his suitcase.

A 45-year-old Mexican firefighter was stopped at Cologne Bonn Airport after customs officials noticed him appearing conspicuously nervous as he tried to pass through the green exit, indicating he had nothing to declare. His flight had connected from Mexico City via Istanbul.

Inspectors conducted a drug screening which tested positive for cocaine, prompting a search of his suitcase. Although no drugs were found, they discovered 37 live venomous snakes, including vipers and rattlesnakes, alongside 55 lizards. The reptiles were hidden inside shampoo bottles, cosmetic jars, plastic containers and rolled-up socks. Jens Ahland, spokesman for the Cologne Customs office, said: "My colleagues at the airport are used to all sorts of travel souvenirs in suitcases, but we've never had 37 live venomous snakes and 55 lizards from Mexico before."

Ahland described the conditions in which the animals were transported as inhumane. Some had died during the journey; others perished shortly after discovery due to confinement and lack of ventilation. The surviving reptiles were transferred to a specialised German snake farm for care.

When questioned, the man claimed he was transporting the animals as a favour for a Brazilian acquaintance. German authorities denied him entry and placed him on a return flight to Istanbul. Last year, German customs made over 1,300 seizures nationwide involving protected animals and plants.

How it is being reported

• Man with suitcase full of venomous snakes stopped at German airportDozens of dangerous reptiles were found stuffed inside toilet bags, shampoo bottles, and socksIndependent World · 16 Oct, 11:03
• Man with suitcase full of snakes stopped at German airportThe man, a Mexican firefighter, looked "nervous" as he tried to leave Cologne Airport, officials say.BBC News · 15 Oct, 16:21

In this story: Cologne Bonn Airport · Mexico · Germany · Istanbul · Jens Ahland · Cologne Customs office

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem