The REPTILE House
Animal Allsorts
Seizure Of Dangerous Snakes
May 10 2001
The Journal
Reptile experts from the North-East were at the centre of an operation yesterday which led to one of the largest ever seizures of venomous snakes in the UK.
Just under 30 snakes - 18 of them venomous - were seized yesterday when police carried out raids in Plymouth, Devon, after receiving information that the reptiles had been imported illegally. The multi-agency raid, which included the RSPCA and Customs, was led by experts from the County Durham-based Reptile Trust, due to the high risk nature of the animals.
The Reptile Trust, which is housed in Burnopfield, was asked to join the raid due to the expertise of its personnel who are the leading agency when it comes to handling potentially deadly reptiles. Among the snakes recovered were rattlesnakes, various species of viper and sidewinders. The haul also included an adult gaboon viper which has the longest fangs of any venomous snake in the world. The raids were carried out on two premises under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species enforcement regulations. Two men were helping the police with their inquiries last night, although no arrests had been made.
Peter Heathcote of the Reptile Trust said: "This is not the first time we have been asked to join raids like this, but the end result is one of the most spectacular I have seen. This is definitely one of the largest hauls of illegally imported snakes ever seen in this country.
"The conditions the snakes were held in were very good, but some of them were absolutely deadly.
"There was obviously a risk to anyone who wasn't trained with handling such dangerous creatures and that is why it was important we were there to remove them safely, not just for us, but for the safety of the snakes as well. The Reptile Trust has been asked to care for the snakes as we have the most modern facilities in the country and they will be kept here in the North-East for the time being at least."
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