53 King Cobras Found in Car In Vietnam; Man Paid $50 USD To Transport The Venomous Snakes

53 king cobras were seized from a car by police in Vietnam. The driver was arrested in Hanoi with a car full of live snakes.  Police found 53 king cobras hidden inside green sacks in his car on Friday. 

Police officer Dang Van Hanh told the press Monday that the king cobras were taken to a wildlife rescue center. The snakes are being treated there and will be released into the wild. No word on if the snakes were babies or adults, but since they can grow to incredible lengths, they may have barely fit inside the car. In any event, it would be a nerve-wracking ride.

In Vietnam, king cobra meat is considered a delicacy by many. King cobras are also sometimes used in traditional folk medicine.  Hunting and trading the snakes is banned.

King Cobras are the longest venomous snake in the world. They can grow up to 18 feet long.

Officer Hanh said that the driver told the officials that he was paid to transport the snakes but didn't own them. He was paid less than $50 USD to transport the dangerous creatures.