Man Caught with 299 Reptiles in Luggage at Mexico Airport

Mexico City, Mexico — The Federal Environmental Protection Prosecutor’s Office (ProfEPA) arrested a man and confiscated nearly 300 reptiles from his luggage as he attempted to board an international flight to Japan. The suspect, identified as Gustavo “N,” was detained at Mexico City International Airport on May 19 following a months-long investigation into his alleged involvement in wildlife trafficking.

Reptiles Found Hidden in Luggage

Customs officers discovered 299 reptiles, including protected species, concealed inside Gustavo “N”’s two suitcases during a routine baggage inspection. Fourteen of the reptiles were found dead. Authorities confirmed the animals were being transported illegally, lacking proper documentation or export permits.

The arrest was the result of a coordinated operation involving ProfEPA, the Mexican Navy, the Secretariat of Citizen Security, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) through its Special Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO), and Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport.

Suspect’s History of Wildlife Trafficking

ProfEPA stated that Gustavo “N” is a known international trafficker with prior arrests in Ecuador and New Zealand. “The detained individual is a Mexican citizen with multiple records of international trafficking, including previous arrests in the Galápagos Islands for attempting to illegally export marine and land iguanas, and in New Zealand for attempting to smuggle endemic gecko species,” the agency reported.

Legal Consequences

Gustavo “N” faces charges under Article 420, Sections IV and V of the Federal Penal Code, which criminalizes the capture, possession, transport, collection, import, or export of wildlife specimens protected by international treaties to which Mexico is a party.

Federal Prosecutor Mariana Tamborrell announced that the suspect could face a prison sentence ranging from one to nine years. “This incident deals a severe blow to the illegal trade and extraction of wildlife specimens protected by national and international laws,” Tamborrell stated. “ProfEPA will continue conducting logistical, inspection, and surveillance activities with other institutions to curb these crimes, which seriously harm our biodiversity.”

The case underscores ongoing efforts by Mexican authorities to combat wildlife trafficking, a lucrative illegal trade that threatens endangered species globally.