ALBUQUERQUE – Federal and state authorities seized dozens of exotic snakes, including 52 highly venomous reptiles, during a raid at a South Valley home connected to an ongoing federal drug investigation. According to KOB-TV, officers removed a total of 60 exotic snakes from the property, including cobras, pit vipers, mambas, a Black King Cobra, and a Green Mamba.
The raid was conducted last week as part of a federal narcotics investigation. Court documents allege the suspect sold cocaine to an undercover federal agent on multiple occasions before authorities executed a search warrant at the residence.
Investigators recovered approximately one-half pound of cocaine, multiple firearms, and the large collection of venomous snakes. Witnesses reported seeing crews loading cages into vehicles throughout the night as the reptiles were removed from the property.
Neighbors said they had noticed unusual activity around the home for some time, including snake skins blowing from trash containers on collection days, but never realized the extent of the reptile collection.
Reptile experts say one of the most concerning species recovered was an inland taipan, widely considered one of the world’s most venomous snakes. Some of the snakes seized in the raid are reportedly worth thousands of dollars on the illegal exotic animal market, with certain rare species selling for as much as $20,000.
Under New Mexico law, ownership of venomous snakes requires a permit, and federal law also provides penalties for the illegal trafficking of venomous reptiles.
As of Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office had not announced any formal charges related to either the narcotics investigation or the seized reptiles.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
