Tension ensued at the Namanga One Stop Border Post after a bus belonging to KIDIA ONE EXPRESS was intercepted transporting a 13-foot python concealed in a box, in what investigators believe was a smuggling attempt from Tanzania into Kenya.

The snake was reportedly being transported from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and was en route to Nairobi.

Customs officials became suspicious after noticing an unusual package declared as car spare parts. Upon inspection, they opened the box and discovered a python inside.

“A 13-foot python has been intercepted at the Namanga One Stop Border Post, hidden inside a box disguised as spare parts. The reptile was discovered by hawk-eyed officers during a routine search on a Dar es Salaam–Nairobi bus,” Kenya Police Service said in a statement.

According to the police service, the reptile has since been secured as investigations continue into the attempted smuggling.

The bus driver and his conductor are also being detained and are expected to be arraigned in court on charges of wildlife trafficking.

Oloilalei Namanga OCPD, Julius Munyagia, confirmed the incident, saying authorities are now focused on tracking down the main suspect believed to be the intended recipient of the snake.

“It was established that it was travelled from Dar es Salaam to Kenya, and the owner of the concealment has not yet been established, but we have the contacts. The bus driver and the conductor have been arrested. They have been held in custody at Namanga police station,” Munyagia said.