MIAMI (CBS4) – Airport security is no joke. Just ask a Brazilian man who has pleaded guilty to trying to smuggle python and tortoise hatchlings in his pants.
Simon Turola Borges admitted Wednesday that he tried to sneak the reptiles through security at Miami International Airport on August 25th when attempting to return to Brazil.
Prosecutors say airport screeners with a millimeter wave advanced imaging technology machine spotted two ball pythons encased in panty hose in Borges’ cargo pants pockets. They also found several other pythons and tortoises contained in similar hose inside the man’s underwear. All were small hatchlings and all are protected under U.S. law. He had a total of seven exotic snakes and three tortoises.
A federal judge sentenced Borges to probation and a $400 fine, which she ordered paid to the Miami Science Museum for reptile preservation programs.
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