3 Mexican Nationals Charged With Attempting to Export Endangered Animals

Three Mexican nationals -- Jonathan Roberto Rojas-Casados, Roberto Rojas-Ramirez and Roberto Angel Roman-Alvarez -- were charged with attempted exportation of wildlife, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas announced Aug. 23. The trio allegedly attempted to ship over 160 animals out of the U.S. in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act since the men did not have a license or permission to export the wildlife.

The three men allegedly drove two vehicles to the Hidalgo Port of Entry in an attempt to enter Mexico, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. After the vehicles were searched, authorities discovered two boxes with over 160 animals in small plastic containers and fabric bags. The animals included snakes, Chinese water dragons, iguanas, scorpions, tarantulas, frogs, geckos and lizards, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Many of the animals are classified as Appendix II wildlife in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The men each face up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.