Airport personnel probably find all kinds of weird things stashed in people's luggage. Some of them may be prohibited. Others might just be classified as peculiar. However, what was allegedly seen in one traveler's bag at a German airport took the cake for shocking and potentially very dangerous. Per People, there were almost 100 slithery creatures hidden away in a person's suitcase.
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Customs authorities reportedly thought this person appeared highly nervous when he attempted to go through the "nothing to declare" area of the airport, per the BBC. They allegedly had the man, a firefighter and Mexican national, age 45, submit to a drug test. The results were positive for cocaine, per the outlet. Their suspicions were thus piqued even more. His suitcase was then examined and contained "nearly 100 reptiles," per People. Among them were rattlesnakes and vipers.
A Cologne customs spokesperson commented on the unusual and troubling cache of scaly creatures. Jens Ahland shared, "My colleagues at the airport are used to a lot when it comes to souvenirs in suitcases, but we have never before had 37 live venomous snakes and 55 lizards from Mexico."
The Animals Were Subjected to Allegedly "Inhumane" Treatment and Some of Them Died
The animals in the man's possession were placed in all types of containers, none of which were suitable for them. For example, they were "concealed inside plastic food tubs, shampoo bottles, cosmetic jars, and rolled-up socks," per The Independent.
Ahland, the customs person, referred to that as "inhumane." Unfortunately, some of the animals succumbed to those conditions.The ones who were still alive were taken to a "German snake farm" for care.
The man allegedly claimed that he was bringing the creatures to Europe for a friend. Per The Independent, he was labeled a security risk and put "on a return flight to Istanbul."
This Was Reportedly Not an Isolated Incident
This type of situation involving animals is not heard of. It is certainly very regrettable, however, to cause any animal to suffer. "Last year, we had over 1,300 seizures nationwide involving more than 56,600 protected animals and plants or products made from them," explained Ahland, the customs person, per the BBC.
