Los Angeles: On Friday, February 21, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department West Valley Area officers responded to a "Suspicious Package" radio call. In the package was a deadly snake, delivered to a Winnetka Area male, by the United States Postal Service.

According to the victim, a local songwriter, he observed his local mail carrier deliver a sealed package to his residence. When the victim opened the box, he saw that it contained a live snake. Immediately closing the box, the victim called the Los Angeles Police Department. Responding LAPD officers and officers from the Los Angeles City Department of Animal Regulation took possession of the snake. The snake was examined by an expert herpetologists who determined that the snake was a South African Black Spitting Cobra, a snake capable of discharging a poisonous stream of venom several feet. The victim was not injured. He indicated that he had no idea of who would threaten him by mailing a poisonous reptile to his home.

Anyone with further information is asked to call LAPD West Valley Area Detectives at 818-756-8591. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media relations Section, 213-485-3586.