The snakes were found in the pocket of the 23-year-old, along with a bag containing the iguanas and a plastic container holding the marsupials as he crossed the border from Malaysia in a taxi, authorities said in a statement.

The wildlife is worth 4,350 Singapore dollars (2,443 US) and the AgriFood and Veterinary Authority said the Singaporean man is likely to be charged for trying to smuggle the creatures illegally.

If found guilty, he can be fined up to 5,000 dollars and jailed for up to a year or both for importing the pythons and iguanas without a permit under the city-state's Wild Animals and Birds Act.

He also faces a fine of up to 3,000 dollars for bringing in the marsupials without a permit.

SPACE.WIRE