This one is a big NOPE for me. I’m glad that federal agents in Texas were there to seize about 163 tarantulas, pythons, centipedes, and other reptiles at the border. The exotic pets were being smuggled in a Toyota truck, making me wonder how they all fit in it. 

Federal Agents find 163 exotic animals in Toyota truck 

Sometimes, United States and Border Protection agents find illegal things that they’ll never forget. Drugs, people, and illegal animals are often smuggled in and out of America. 

This time. Field Operations officers were at the Anzalduas International Bridge when a silver Toyota truck tried to enter Mexico from the United States. 

Something seemed off, so the truck was selected for further inspection. According to CBP, a physical search led to the discovery of 166 reptiles and arthropods. 

They found 24 Royal Pythons, 15 Green Anoles, 11 Spotted Salamanders, 10 Sick Red Eye Tree Frogs, 10 Albino Milk Snakes, 4 Monarch Ball Pythons, 4 Tarantulas, 3 Yellow Pacman Frogs, 3Rankin Dragons, and many more reptiles. 

If I had to guess, the truck was a Toyota Tundra. There’s no way that many animals fit into a Toyota Tacoma unless the smugglers got really creative. 

Officers seized the vehicle as Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation. Also, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service took custody of the reptiles and spiders. 

Port Director Carlos Rodriguez explained that the smuggling of exotic pets has been increasing in the area. CBP works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and preserve these creatures. 

The teams also ensure that importations and exportations of wildlife adhere to all applicable federal requirements.