On March 17, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered an illegal animal transport at the World Trade Bridge in Texas while inspecting a semi-truck attempting to leave the U.S. for Mexico.
Despite the driver's claim that he was not carrying prohibited items, authorities conducted a search and discovered 39 live pythons hidden inside the vehicle. The animals were individually stuffed into small bags and were in poor health, indicating they were transported in unsuitable conditions.
All the pythons were subsequently handed over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be cared for in a controlled environment.
Officials stated the incident demonstrates that animal smuggling remains sophisticated in the border region. Had they not been discovered, these pythons might have continued to be transported illegally under dire conditions.
The driver was fined more than $34,800 for violating export regulations.
Authorities emphasized that they will continue to tighten controls to prevent wildlife smuggling across the border.
