Image: A supplied image obtained Monday, January 8, 2024 of native reptiles seized by NSW Police.
by GRACE JOHNSON
Hundreds of native Australian lizards and reptiles have been rescued across Sydney from an illegal live export ring.
Police revealed on Monday 8 January their bust of a criminal syndicate that was allegedly planning to export more than $1.2 million worth of lizards and reptiles to Hong Kong.
Strike Force Whyaratta was established by State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad in September 2023 to investigate illegal native animal and reptile exports after nine packages stuffed with 59 live lizards were intercepted on their way to Hong Kong.
The strike force executed search warrants and vehicle intercepts across Sydney between 20 December and 5 January, leading to the arrest of one woman aged 41 and three men, aged 31, 51 and 59.
Police allege the criminal group were catching live lizards and other native Australian reptiles for export for profit to Hong Kong, with the animals bound in small containers to be packaged and sent.
During one search, which took place in East Hills in Sydney’s south-west, police found 118 lizards, three snakes, 8 eggs and 25 deceased lizards.
A search in a home in Pendle Hill revealed 16 native lizards and eggs in a box addressed to Hong Kong. A further 60 native lizards were located in a storage room.
Police say the animals were kept in poor conditions and bound in small containers when they were packaged to be sent.
The investigation found in total 257 lizards, which were taken to various zoos and wildlife parks for examination by a vet before being released back to the wild.
