Brazilian admits smuggling reptiles in pants

By The Associated Press
Published: September 15, 2011

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MIAMI --

A Brazilian man has pleaded guilty to trying to smuggle python and tortoise hatchlings in his pants.

Simon Turola Borges admitted Wednesday that he tried to sneak the reptiles through security at Miami International Airport last month when attempting to return to Brazil.

Prosecutors say airport screeners spotted two ball pythons encased in panty hose in Borges' cargo pants pockets. They also found several other pythons and tortoises contained in similar hose inside the man's underwear. All were small hatchlings and all are protected under U.S. law.

A federal judge sentenced Borges to probation and a $400 fine, which she ordered paid to the Miami Science Museum for reptile preservation programs.