(CNN) - Suspected smugglers from Asia got innovative in their attempt to bring snakes into the U.S.
According to investigators, three live king cobras were mailed from Hong Kong in potato chip canisters.
The highly venomous snakes are about 2 feet long and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. The export or import of the snakes is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CNN reports.
The package was sent to Rodrigo Franco, whose home was later searched by federal agents, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Officials found other protected animals there, including a baby crocodile in a water tank and tanks containing various species of turtles and terrapins – all protected species.
Franco, who reportedly also tried to smuggle other protected turtles on the same date, was arrested and charged with illegally importing merchandise into the U.S.
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