Customs officers at Cologne/Bonn Airport have seized 92 live reptiles from the suitcase of a 45-year-old Mexican passenger who arrived from Mexico City via Istanbul. The haul comprised 37 venomous snakes and 55 lizards, including species suspected of being rare, strictly protected or endangered. The passenger, described as a firefighter, was refused entry to Germany and returned to Istanbul, while an investigation was opened.
The man attracted attention in the customs green channel because of nervous behaviour and contradictory answers. A hand swab initially indicated cocaine, but no drugs were found during the subsequent search. Instead, officers discovered the reptiles concealed in shampoo and cream bottles, plastic containers and rolled-up socks.
The animals had been transported without adequate food or water in highly confined conditions. Around 30 died after the journey, while surviving reptiles received veterinary treatment from Cologne municipal services before being transferred to a specialist snake facility near Braunschweig.
The passenger reportedly told officers that he was carrying the animals for a Brazilian acquaintance. Customs suspect the reptiles were intended for commercial sale and illegal keeping in Germany. The Zollfahndungsamt Essen is conducting the investigation, with the case also involving specialist veterinary authorities and animal-welfare services.