Seven snakes and a lizard seized at Bogorodica border crossing, including venomous "Baron Snake"

Customs officers, working with police, intercepted an attempt to smuggle seven young snakes and a lizard across the Bogorodica border crossing on October 11, 2026. The reptiles were discovered during inspection of a vehicle driven by a Kosovar citizen.

Species and concealment methods

According to the Customs Administration, the driver had hidden the animals beneath a seat; they were packed in boxes and wrapped in scarves. The seized reptiles include four pythons—two listed as "Carpet Spilota," one "Short Tailed" and one "Brandly Carpet"—as well as snakes identified as "Chinese Ring Rat" and "Reticulated Super Dwarf" and a venomous specimen of the species "Baron Snake."

Customs officials say most of the confiscated types are protected species whose international trade is strictly regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Importing such animals requires proper permits, and transporting them across the border without documentation violates legal regulations.

The confiscated reptiles will be handed over to the competent institutions for further care and handling. Authorities also announced that appropriate legal proceedings will be initiated against the Kosovar citizen who was driving the vehicle.

The operation at Bogorodica highlights ongoing efforts by state agencies to detect and prevent illegal wildlife trafficking at major border crossings. Officers said routine vehicle checks remain a key tool in uncovering concealed consignments of protected animals.

Investigations into the origins of the animals and potential links to wider smuggling networks are expected to continue under the supervision of customs and police authorities.

Photo: Carinska uprava