Federal agents searching a South Valley home near Albuquerque found 60 snakes in tanks, 52 of them venomous. Officials also recovered $22,000, about half a pound of cocaine and three firearms. Among the reptiles was an inland taipan — a species noted for exceptionally potent venom — prompting concerns that local hospitals may lack appropriate antivenom. The snakes are now in expert care while investigators continue to examine potential charges.
60 Snakes Seized in New Mexico Raid — 52 Venomous, Including an Inland Taipan
Image Credit: KOB 4 Albuquerque/YouTube.
Federal agents executing a search of a South Valley residence near Albuquerque uncovered 60 snakes stored in tanks on the property — 52 of them venomous — local broadcasters report.
The operation was part of an investigation into alleged drug and gun trafficking. In addition to the reptiles, authorities seized $22,000 in cash, roughly half a pound of cocaine and three firearms.
Wildlife and reptile specialists were called to the scene to safely remove the animals after officers found numerous enclosures on site. Reporters say the collection included pit vipers, mambas, cobras, and pythons. One expert identified an inland taipan among the snakes — a species often described as the most venomous by potency.
Connor Sharp, a local reptile rescuer who captures and releases snakes, told reporters: "Somebody having, drop for drop, the most venomous snake on the planet in captivity just outside of Albuquerque was pretty surprising to me, honestly."
Sharp and other experts cautioned that many New Mexico hospitals would be unlikely to stock the specific antivenom needed to treat an inland taipan bite, underscoring the public-safety risk had any of the animals escaped into the residential neighborhood before removal.
Neighbors interviewed by KOAT said they were more alarmed by the snakes than the drugs or weapons. "There are a lot of kids here," one resident said. "And one of those goes out, and they're gone. I just stay away from snakes. I'm really upset."
Reporters also noted that some reptiles had names on their tanks. Examples included pythons named William and Sunset, and cobras labeled Blizzard and the tongue-in-cheek Pablo Escobar.
Officials say the animals are now in the care of qualified specialists while investigators continue processing the scene and reviewing possible charges related to illegal drugs, firearms and possession of dangerous exotic animals.
Why This Matters
Venomous exotic pets present a public-health and safety challenge beyond typical illegal possession: antivenoms for rare species can be scarce or unavailable regionally, and escaped snakes in residential areas pose immediate danger to children and pets. The seizure has renewed warnings from experts about the risks of keeping highly venomous reptiles as private pets.
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