Snakes on a plane in Argentina

Karel Abelovsky was arrested early December after trying to smuggle hundreds of snakes and other exotic animals out of Argentina on a flight to Spain.

The Czech man’s attempts were foiled after staff at Ezeiza airport saw Abelovsky’s suitcase moving as it went through the airport X-ray machine.

Although the incident took place during the first week of December, details of the case have only just started to be revealed as 51-year-old Abelovsky was released on bail.

Around 250 animals were found in the suitcase, including 10 boa constrictors and all were native to Argentine or neighbouring countries.

Investigators believe that due to the number of animals collected, Abelovsky could have been acting as a courier for a larger criminal organisation.

The animals included insects, spiders, lizards, venomous snakes and snails and some were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

Some were already dead from a lack of oxygen after being packed into labelled plastic bags and travelling in the plane’s un-pressurised cargo hold would have most likely killed those remaining.

If found guilty, Abelovsky could face up to 10 years in prison after being charged with smuggling and endangering public health.