8-1-2024 (SYDNEY) An Australia-based criminal syndicate has been exposed for orchestrating a plan to smuggle over 250 native reptiles, potentially valued at more than US$800,000, into Hong Kong as part of a clandestine live animal trade, authorities revealed on Monday.
The investigation into this network commenced in September of last year when detectives intercepted nine packages en route to Hong Kong, containing a total of 59 live lizards. Subsequent searches at various locations scattered across Sydney unearthed more than 250 lizards, along with a small number of snakes and unhatched eggs.
Police reported that the reptiles were found in deplorable conditions, confined in small containers, ready to be shipped to Hong Kong. Disturbing images captured by the police showcased a stack of writhing lizards in cramped plastic bins filled with soiled pellets. Another photo depicted a snake coiled around a cluster of eggs in a clear plastic tub filled with wood chips.
The street value of the seized reptiles is estimated to be as high as A$1.2 million, with each lizard potentially fetching up to A$5,000 on the black market, according to police statements.
Three men, aged 59, 54, and 31, along with a 41-year-old woman, have been charged in connection with the criminal syndicate.
Hong Kong, identified as a major global transit point for illegal wildlife trade by the World Wildlife Fund, continues to grapple with the challenge of curbing such illicit activities.
