10 arrested for possession of 125 venomous snakes and reptiles in Kentucky

July 2008. Conservation officers with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife have arrested 10 people and seized more than 125 venomous snakes and other reptiles. They expect to issue more than 700 charges following a nearly two-year undercover investigation focusing on the illegal possession, importation and buying and selling of reptiles in Kentucky.

Officers seized illegal western diamondback rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water moccasins, northern and southern copperheads, cobras, great basin rattlesnakes, a gaboon viper, a puff adder and an alligator.

More than 200 illegal reptiles seized
Undercover officers purchased more than 200 illegal reptiles during the nearly two-year investigation code named "Twice Shy" that included Internet sales.

"This was a well-conducted and well-documented investigation that has put those who would engage in the illegal selling and buying of any wildlife in Kentucky on notice that they are subject to arrest and prosecution, " said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Director of Law Enforcement Colonel Bob Milligan. "It is disturbing to me that individuals would keep such dangerous wildlife in their homes and in neighbourhoods where they put their families, visitors and neighbours as such high risk."

Each charge of illegally buying, selling or possessing wildlife can receive a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.