A DEVIZES woman was horrified when she opened an unmarked package which had been delivered to her home, and found five snakes hidden in boxes.

The hatchling carpet pythons and two tiny Chinese water dragon lizards were hidden in several light bulb boxes.

The RSPCA believes the reptiles had been illegally smuggled into Britain.

The woman, who is not being identified because she is related to the person believed to be involved in a smuggling ring bringing exotic creatures into the country, contacted the RSPCA as soon as she discovered the snakes and lizards.

The organisation however, has decided to go public on the case as part of its ongoing campaign for tighter controls on the trade and ownership of exotic species.

The customs declaration stated the goods were pottery ornaments, but there was no indication where the parcel had orginated. It is thought the reptiles had been smuggled into the country for a dealer in Swindon. Customs officers carried out inquiries in Britain and in Australia, but were unable to prove that offences had been committed by anyone in this country.

RSPCA chief inspector Robbie Roberts said: "This case illustrates what lengths some people will go to to import exotic animals illegally.

"Australia has got extremely strict rules about its native species which makes it very difficult to even move animals from one state to another."

The reptiles are now being looked after at London Zoo.