Border Authorities Find 52 Reptiles Hidden in Man’s Clothing

Snakes in bags found hidden under and in a man's clothes by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro, Calif. port of entry in February 2022. U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP

SAN DIEGO—A man who tried to slither past U.S. border agents in California had 52 lizards and snakes hidden in his clothing, authorities said Tuesday.

The man was driving a truck when he arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing with Mexico on Feb. 25 and was pulled out for additional inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.