Turkish customs seizes 28 pythons, arrest 2 on smuggling charges

Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate says 28 python snakes hidden in truck's trailer found during search of long vehicle in northwestern Edirne province

By Hakan Mehmet Sahin

EDIRNE, Türkiye (AA) - Turkish customs authorities on Tuesday seized 28 pythons from a truck and arrested two people on suspicion of smuggling the dangerous reptiles in northwestern Edirne province.

The Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate said in a statement that a truck was signaled to stop and that during the search, officials discovered 28 python snakes hidden in the truck's trailer.

One of the pythons was dead, the statement added.

The truck’s driver and a passenger were taken into custody.

These pythons were later taken under veterinary control and delivered to the Edirne Nature Conservation and National Parks Branch Office.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas in Istanbul

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