Man Straps Eight Dangerous Snakes to His Legs

NW Cable News ^ | 09/23/03 | Staff Writer

[bedolido]

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- A Swedish man tried to smuggle eight dangerous snakes into Australia by strapping them to his legs, customs officials said Wednesday.

Justice Minister Chris Ellison said 28-year-old Per Johann Adolfsson arrived at Sydney airport from Thailand on Monday night. He was searched by customs officers who discovered the reptiles in packages strapped to his calves.

The snakes included four deadly King Cobras - which died during the nine-hour flight - and four non-venomous emerald tree boas. The surviving snakes were handed over to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Ellison said the man has been charged with illegally importing animals and was refused bail during an appearance at Sydney's Waverley Local Court on Tuesday.

He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $110,000 Australian (US$73,000), or both.

"Animals and plants smuggled in from overseas may introduce new diseases that are currently absent in Australia, or they may end up being dumped by the owners and spread as new feral pests or weeds," Ellison said in a statement. "This detection ... sends a clear warning to those who may seek to breach Australia's laws at the border."

Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[isthisnickcool]

Is that a snake in your pants or are you happy to see me?

[cjshapi]

Okay, here's one that you simply need to provide commentary on.

[sticker]

Steve Irwin ordered home delivery?

[Dog Gone]

Well, at least now I know how to kill King Cobras.

[Charles Henrickson]

Four Emerald Tree Boa snakes are inspected by veterinarians after authorities discovered them, along with four King Cobra snakes, strapped to a Swedish man's leg at Sydney Airport September 24, 2003. The 28-year-old man has been charged by Australian Customs officers under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act and if convicted, could be fined A$110,000 (US$70,000) or up to ten years jail, or both.

[TADSLOS]

KRICKY!!

[kenth]

INTO Australia?

If an Aussie wanted a dangerous snake, wouldn't they just check their backyard, under the hood, the garage, etc.?

[gitmo]

Sorta like smuggling snow into Antarctica.

[Lazamataz]

My motto: Better that you have one 8-inch snake, then eight 1-inch snakes.

[SquirrelKing]

Hold muh snake...

OW! What, no volunteers to suck out the poison?

[from occupied ga]

Emerald tree boas are not particularly dangerous, but have a reputation for biting with very little provocation.

[bedolido]

Emerald tree boas are not particularly dangerous, but have a reputation for biting with very little provocation.

Let's hope he didn't have a reason for "excitement" that may be interpreted as provacative.

[cjshapi]

I knew you would come thru with some gem of wisdom. Or something worth a few laughs.

[Thinkin' Gal]

The snakes included four deadly King Cobras - which died during the nine-hour flight...

Deadly dead snakes ping.

[Robert A Cook PE]

They were obviously garter snakes.

[krb]

LOL!

[bedolido]

My motto: Better that you have one 8-inch snake, then eight 1-inch snakes.

Isn't that a quote from Snow-white's diary?

[xsmommy]

: )

[Robert A Cook PE]

He may have been more successful trying to sneak the snakes out through the rental car lot.

http://www.strangecosmos.com/view.adp?picture_id=11811

http://www.strangecosmos.com/view.adp?picture_id=11810

Then again, maybe not.