Stunned at the airport: He got off the plane with a suitcase full of venomous snakes

A passenger from Mexico who landed at Cologne Airport in Germany was caught with a suitcase containing 37 venomous snakes and 55 lizards hidden in shampoo bottles and socks. 30 of the reptiles did not survive the journey. The passenger, a firefighter by profession, claimed he brought them for a Brazilian acquaintance and was deported to Istanbul.

German customs authorities announced an unusual incident at Cologne Airport, where a passenger from Mexico was caught trying to smuggle a suitcase full of 92 venomous snakes and lizards. The man, a 45-year-old firefighter, arrived from Mexico City on a connecting flight from Istanbul and was caught trying to pass through the green lane. Suspicion arose due to his nervous behavior, and after a positive drug test for cocaine, customs officials searched the suitcase and discovered dozens of reptiles hidden in shampoo bottles, cream containers, and socks. Among the species found: vipers, rattlesnakes, and iguanas. About 30 of the animals did not survive the journey due to overcrowded conditions and lack of food and water. The passenger claimed he had come on vacation and that the reptiles were intended for a Brazilian acquaintance. He was declared a public danger and deported to Istanbul. A customs spokesman expressed shock at the cruel treatment of the animals.