Brief
Mexican firefighter caught with 92 snakes in suitcase at Cologne Bonn Airport
Customs officers discovered 37 venomous snakes and 55 lizards after a drug test revealed cocaine, and the traveller was sent back to Istanbul.
By Felo News Desk · Published
German customs officers at Cologne Bonn Airport intercepted a 45‑year‑old Mexican firefighter after a drug test flagged cocaine. A subsequent search of his suitcase uncovered 92 reptiles – 37 venomous snakes, including vipers and rattlesnakes, and 55 lizards – hidden in food tubs, shampoo bottles and rolled‑up socks.
Jens Ahland, spokesperson for Cologne Customs, said the concealment was "inhumane" and noted the airport had not previously dealt with such a large number of live venomous snakes. Dozens of the animals died during the journey; the survivors were taken to a specialised snake farm for emergency care. The traveller claimed he was moving the animals for a Brazilian acquaintance. German authorities classified him as a security risk, denied entry and placed him on a return flight to Istanbul.
Key facts
- 92 reptiles were found in the man's suitcase (independent.co.uk)
- The man tested positive for cocaine in a drug screening (independent.co.uk)
- Customs spokesperson Jens Ahland described the transport conditions as inhumane (independent.co.uk)
- Dozens of the animals died; survivors were sent to a German snake farm (independent.co.uk)
- The traveller was denied entry and sent back to Istanbul (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Man with suitcase full of venomous snakes stopped at German airport”
