The State : Reptiles Seized in Raid

During a raid that authorities say may be the biggest of its kind, more than 100 of the world’s most dangerous and rare poisonous snakes and lizards were confiscated at a San Francisco home. Documents found at the home could lead to a worldwide investigation of a network of illegal animal dealers, authorities said. Cobras, copperheads, boa constructors, a Gila monster and other illegal animals were discovered in aquariums, terrariums, wooden boxes and other containers spread throughout the two-bedroom house. The raid, carried out with “extreme caution,” was conducted by 25 agencies, including a police SWAT team, after a tip from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Besides the animals, whose value was estimated at $10,000, dozens of weapons including a grenade and machine guns were found. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the apparent resident of the house--an employee of a Daly City pet store.