Two pythons named “Sunset” and a corba named “Pablo Escobar” were among the animals seized
Credit: KOAT/YouTube
NEED TO KNOW
- Federal agents found 60 snakes, including highly venomous species, during a drug trafficking raid near Albuquerque
- The seized snakes included cobras, mambas, and an inland taipan, one of the world’s most venomous reptiles
- Officials say the snakes are in good condition and will be placed in facilities equipped to handle them safely
Federal agents searching a New Mexico home for evidence of drug trafficking walked away with far more than they bargained for.
Agents uncovered half a pound of cocaine, three guns, $22,000 in cash, and 60 snakes during a raid at a home in the South Valley, near Albuquerque, KOAT Action News 7 reported. The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of cocaine.
According to the seizure inventory, the collection of snakes included cobras, mambas, pit vipers, and pythons. Officials pointed out that some of the reptiles had names, including pythons named “Sunset” and “William” and cobras nicknamed “Blizzard” and “Pablo Escobar.” The inventory also listed an inland taipan, which is considered one of the most venomous snakes on Earth.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife said most of the seized snakes are venomous, and a bite from many of them would require immediate medical attention.
As reported by the outlet, neighbors in the area were devastated by the discovery and its safety concerns. “There are a lot of kids here. And one of those goes out, and they’re gone. I just stay away from snakes. I’m really upset,” one resident said.
PEOPLE reached out to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife for further information and has yet to receive a response. No arrest records have been released.
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Connor Sharp, a professional snake wrangler, highlighted that the inland taipan was the most noticeable of the haul.
“Somebody having drop for drop the most venomous snake on the planet in captivity just outside of Albuquerque was pretty surprising to me, honestly,” Sharp explained, noting that the danger goes beyond the venom itself. “Probably no medical facilities in the state of New Mexico are going to have anti-venom that would be used to treat a bite from an inland taipan.”
Sharp added that snakes generally don’t want to strike and bite people, since humans aren’t a food source and venom is too valuable to waste. “If you’re out hiking or in your yard and a snake is around and rattles and alerts you to his presence, if you stop and stay on your ground like you should do, first and foremost, 99% of the time, they are going to move the other direction and try to get away from you,” he said.
Officials say the seized snakes appear to be in good condition after undergoing professional examinations and are now being housed at a permitted facility. The state is working to find permanent placements. Because each species has unique care and safety requirements, the snakes will only be transferred to facilities with trained staff equipped to handle venomous reptiles.
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