California reptile smuggler learns fate for sneaking 1,700 scaly beasts into the US
A Southern California man has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for smuggling over 1,700 reptiles into the United States. Jose Manuel Perez, 34, was involved in a years-long operation that trafficked wildlife from Mexico and China without the necessary permits. The smuggling network utilized social media for sales and coordination, and Perez was already serving a separate prison term for firearm-related offenses at the time of sentencing.
- ▪Jose Manuel Perez was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for wildlife trafficking.
- ▪He smuggled at least 1,700 reptiles with a market value exceeding $739,000.
- ▪The operation involved coordinated pickups and transportation routes from Mexico to the US.
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Metro California reptile smuggler learns fate for sneaking 1,700 scaly beasts into the US By Daniel Farr Published May 29, 2026, 8:00 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google A Southern California man has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison after authorities uncovered a years-long operation that smuggled thousands of live reptiles into the United States from Mexico and China. Jose Manuel Perez, 34, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to smuggling goods into the country and wildlife trafficking.
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