Illegal Venomous Snakes Found Inside Meriden Home: Police

MERIDEN, CT — A Meriden man was arrested after authorities say he had several venomous snakes that are illegal to possess in Connecticut inside his home. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) State Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon), with the assistance of Meriden Police, executed a search and seizure warrant on Westfield Road in Meriden on Thursday, April 26, after information was obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding an advertisement on a snake forum for the sale of several venomous snakes. Cameron DeFrances, 21, of Meriden, had also posted photos on social media and listed the venomous snakes for sale, according to EnCon Police.

During the search of the home, authorities found multiple venomous snakes that are illegal to possess in Connecticut. Police say a qualified licensed reptile specialist was used to seize and safely transport all the snakes to a secure facility for reptiles. Seven illegal snakes were located alive in the residence and two snakes that were illegally possessed were found dead, according to police. Among the snakes that were found alive include a Gaboon Viper, a Forest Cobra, Two Egyptian Banded Cobras and Two Monocled Cobras. A Tree Viper and a King Cobra were also found dead.

“DEEP takes these cases very seriously,” Colonel Kyle Overturf said in a press release. “The exploitation, importation and trafficking of illegally taken wildlife threatens species in our country and across the world. DEEP helped to pass regulations to prohibit the importation and possession of potentially dangerous animals, including venomous snakes, as a measure to protect the health and safety of our residents and to protect the welfare of these species.”

DeFrances was charged with nine counts of illegal possession of a Category 2 wild animal and first-degree reckless endangerment. He was released on a $1,000 surety bond with a court date of May 10 at Meriden Superior Court.

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