60 species of reptiles under his clothes an American smuggler

US federal officials said in a press release that a California man has been charged with wildlife trafficking and conspiracy after illegally bringing more than 1,700 reptiles to the United States.

Police accused the man's 25-year-old sister of aiding her brother in the illegal wildlife smuggling business.

The 30-year-old was captured by Border Patrol agents with 60 species of reptiles stuffed into his clothes, according to the press release published by American Military News.

Agents said they discovered the animals, wrapped in mesh bags, "in his jacket pockets, pants pockets, groin area, and legs," the statement said.

In the statement, officials said he initially denied having anything to declare at the border, then said the animals were his pets.

The indictment against the siblings says they were involved in illegal animal smuggling from January 2016 to February 2022. The two were accused of using social media to advertise the animals for sale and included photos and videos of the animals being captured in the wild.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news