diff --git a/snowflake/ml/model/_packager/model_handlers/custom.py b/snowflake/ml/model/_packager/model_handlers/custom.py
index 747a47cd..96d11cf9 100644
--- a/snowflake/ml/model/_packager/model_handlers/custom.py
+++ b/snowflake/ml/model/_packager/model_handlers/custom.py
@@ -98,7 +98,6 @@ def get_prediction(
         if model.context.model_refs:
             for sub_name, model_ref in model.context.model_refs.items():
                 handler = model_handler.find_handler(model_ref.model)
-                assert handler is not None
                 if handler is None:
                     raise TypeError("Your input type to custom model is not currently supported")
                 sub_model = handler.cast_model(model_ref.model)