A US man has been accused of smuggling more than 1700 reptiles. A man named Jose Manuel Perez was arrested on February 25 along with snakes, lizards, baby crocodiles and other dangerous animals. More than 1700 reptiles were recovered from him, out of which 160 were found only from his clothes. It is being told that their value is more than five and a half crore rupees, Jose Manuel was caught by the authorities while entering America from Mexico.
The accused had hidden snakes inside his pocket and trousers. He told the customs officials that these were all his pets. The accused Jose Manuel Perez is a resident of Oxnard, California. He is 30 years old. He will be produced in Los Angeles District Court.
Jose Manuel Perez, 30, of Oxnard is charged with smuggling more than 1,700 reptiles into the United States, including 60 found hidden in his clothes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in February 2022. pic.twitter.com/YWKF0dOXRc
— US Attorney LA (@USAO_LosAngeles) March 24, 2022
Reptiles were caught from the forest, used to deal on social media
According to officials, Perez smuggled in with his sister Stephanie. They used to capture the children of snakes, crocodiles, lizards, turtles and other animals from the forest and post their photos and videos on social media. From there they were sold. If convicted, Perez could face at least 20 years in prison.