The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or FWC, filed felony and misdemeanor charges against eight people after a multi-year investigation found they were illegally trafficking venomous and illegal snakes.
The investigation began in 2020 after receiving complaints and complaints about a black market that is used for the purchase and sale of highly dangerous venomous reptiles in Florida.
Florida Fish and Wildlife agents bought and sold 200 snakes during an investigation into snake trafficking.
(Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)
The state agency said in a news release Friday that the illegal sale, purchase, transport, and caging of these snakes poses a significant threat to the public, threatens the long-term well-being of the state’s wildlife populations, and undermines legitimate traders of captive wildlife that operate legally.
SEAWORLD PUBLISHES ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT KILLER WHALE FOUND DEAD ON FLORIDA BEACH
The other concern is that if the animals were to escape, they could easily thrive and reproduce, given Florida’s subtropical climate.
The research uncovered almost 200 snakes made up of 24 different species from seven different regions around the world. The snakes were bought or sold by undercover FWC agents.
Florida officials seized more than 200 snakes during a multi-year investigation into snake trafficking.
(Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
Some of the species sold and bought include the bushmaster, inland taipan, rhinoceros viper, African bush viper, Gaboon viper, green mamba, eyelash viper, spitting cobra, forest cobra and saw-scaled vipers.
21-FOOT ORCA WHALE DEAD IN FLORIDA AFTER BEING STRANDED
“Some of these snakes are among the most dangerous in the world,” Maj. Randy Bowlin of the FWC’s Law Enforcement Division said in the news release. “Florida’s rules and laws exist to protect the public and prevent tragedies from occurring.”
A substantial part of the illegal activity took place on specialized websites or closed social media pages. Once the deals were done, face-to-face meetings were arranged to conduct the transactions.
Florida officials seized more than 200 snakes during a multi-year investigation into snake trafficking.
(Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
Some of the people involved included wholesale dealers who imported large shipments of non-native venomous snakes from various countries around the world.
FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY GETS NEARLY 1,200 ADDITIONAL CHARGES
FWC agents obtained search warrants for many of the social media accounts and worked in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
“The actions of individuals such as those charged today make our work on VENOM 1 and 2 much more difficult,” said Dr. Benjamin Abo, principal investigator and chief medical officer. “We fight every day to keep people alive and minimize permanent complications after a tragic bite occurs. The rules for transporting, caging and handling these animals exist for important reasons.”
Florida officials seized more than 200 snakes during a multi-year investigation into snake trafficking.
(Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
The eight individuals arrested faced various misdemeanor and felony charges.
REMAINS OF FLORIDA WOMAN MISSING FROM HURRICANE IAN FOUND
Delvin Eugene Sasnett, 32, of Eagle Lake, Florida, was charged with possession of an alligator, but investigators also said they found evidence to charge him with several felony violations involving venomous reptiles and other wildlife. He was also charged with child neglect.
William Chase Agee, 32, of Holly Hill, Florida, according to the statement, does not have a permit and is allegedly involved in multiple illegal sales and purchases of venomous reptiles. Agee is also a convicted felon, and investigators said he was aware of regulations regarding snakes.
Florida officials seized more than 200 snakes during a multi-year investigation into snake trafficking.
(The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
Dylan Isaac Levin, 30, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was charged with sale of a controlled substance, sale of a venomous reptile to an unauthorized individual, and inadequate venomous reptile records.
FLORIDA MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON AFTER SETTING WOMAN ON FIRE IN 2017
Edward Daniel Bays, 25, of Miami, Florida, was charged with possession of a prohibited species, release of non-native wildlife, transportation of prohibited species, transfer of prohibited species to or from a person without a license, and transportation of wildlife. in an unsafe way.
Jorege Javier González, 23, of Miami was charged with illegal trafficking of prohibited species, specifically Burmese pythons. On multiple occasions, FWC researchers documented the illegal sale and transport of these invasive species.
Paul Edward Miller, 48, of Cape Coral, Florida, according to the statement, is a large snake importer, a well-established wildlife wholesaler and owner of the Calusa Animal Company. In addition to multiple violations related to caging, tagging and breeding, investigators said Miller assisted in the falsification of required documentation of experience hours.
Joseph David Switalski, Jr., 37, of Plantation, Florida, was described by the FWC as a well-established reptile trader and owner of JDS Holdings and Trading, LLC. The investigation revealed that he was allegedly involved in multiple illegal sales and purchases of more than 60 snakes.
Timothy James Gould, 38, of Central City, Pennsylvania, is alleged to be a well-established wildlife transporter, according to the FWC, and is not allowed in Florida for captive wildlife or venomous reptiles. Authorities said Gould advertises his shipping services online for wildlife dealers, and when he was arrested, he had 27 snakes in his possession illegally.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“During this investigation, officers saw and heard disturbing evidence of widespread illegal activity, including individuals who indicated they were releasing or planning to release prohibited reptiles into nearby native habitat to establish an easily accessible wild breeding population.” research. Section Captain Van Barrow said.
