Texas CBP Officers Intercept Live Pythons

LAREDO, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers conducting outbound operations intercepted 39 live pythons hidden within a tractor.

The incident occurred on March 5 at the World Trade Bridge after CBP officers encountered a 2021 Peterbilt tractor traveling to Mexico. Officers selected the driver and tractor for inspection. During the inspection, CBP officers discovered a total of 39 pythons hidden inside the tractor. The animals were found after the driver gave a negative declaration for prohibited goods.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents were contacted and took custody of the animals. Due to their condition, the pythons were transported to a controlled environment. Penalties totaling $34,824 for export violations were issued in connection with this incident.

CBP seized the tractor and trailer. The case remains under investigation by Fish and Wildlife Service and Homeland Security Investigations.

Exporting live reptiles from the United States to Mexico requires compliance with several U.S. and international regulations. 

“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,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP remains committed to preventing the illegal importation and exportation of wildlife and ensuring compliance with all federal regulations.”

For authoritative information on the processes and requirements for exporting live reptiles, please refer to the following sources to avoid fines and penalties:

• 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 (FTR)

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CITES U.S. Information