Border Patrol seizes 39 live pythons in truck at South Texas bridge to Mexico
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- CBP officers seized 39 live pythons hidden in a tractor at World Trade Bridge.
- The tractor and trailer were seized; a $34,824 penalty was issued.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took the pythons to a controlled environment.
U.S. Border Patrol officers seized 39 live pythons in Texas earlier this month and issued nearly $35,000 in penalties for export violations.
On March 5, Border Patrol officers stopped a 2021 Peterbilt tractor-trailer at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo as it was traveling toward Mexico. During an inspection, officers found the snakes hidden inside the truck, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“The animals were found after the driver gave a negative declaration for prohibited goods,” the release stated.
Due to their condition, the pythons were taken to a controlled environment by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents, officials said. The tractor and trailer were seized and a penalty of $34,824 was issued for export violations in connection with this incident, the release states.
“The interception of live pythons at the World Trade Bridge highlights the vigilance and dedication of our CBP officers in enforcing laws that protect both our borders and our environment,” Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry, said in the release. “CBP remains committed to preventing the illegal importation and exportation of wildlife and ensuring compliance with all federal regulations.”
Travelers who want information on the processes and requirements for exporting live reptiles can refer to the following sources to avoid fines and penalties, according to the release.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Import/Export Requirements
- U.S. Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS Animal Health Export Requirements
- U.S. Census Bureau – Foreign Trade Regulations Foreign Trade Regulations