Smuggler hid snakes in socks

A MAN has been arrested after trying to board a plane in Argentina with almost 250 poisonous snakes and endangered reptiles in his baggage, each meticulously labelled with its Latin name.

Czech Karel Abelovsky, 51, was en route to Spain when he was made to open his baggage at Buenos Aires’ international airport after police spotted the reptiles in the X-ray scanner. They found 247 exotic and endangered species, including boa constrictors, in plastic containers, bags and even socks.

The Czech is believed to be a courier for a criminal organisation that smuggles exotic species whose exports are banned.

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