Two Russians, two Czechs caught smuggling 157 WA animals
February 16, 2015 1:02PM
This black headed python was one of 157 animals recovered in the smuggling attempt. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Corp Australia
TWO Russian men and two Czech men are in custody in Perth accused of attempting to export more than 150 native animals out of WA.
The men were arrested at Perth International Airport earlier this month after Customs was tipped off by postal workers who noticed something amiss in several packages sent from destinations including Carnarvon, Tom Price and Geraldton.
All were destined for Europe.
It is alleged the man packed 157 reptiles and amphibians including skinks, geckos, frogs and Pygmy pythons into hollowed out books and cigarette packets.
Also uncovered were 33 dead reptiles that appeared to have been tagged for use as specimens.
Two of the men also allegedly had reptiles hidden in their luggage.
Kevin Morrison (DPaW) with a black haded python. Source: News Corp Australia
During a separate Department of Parks and Wildlife operation this month, 92 reptiles were found at Broome, Derby and NSW post offices and in a car intercepted by police in Broome.
A West Australian man and two others from NSW, including a minor, could face more than 90 charges under the Wildlife Conservation Act.
James Riley (Customs) with spiny tailed skinks and Rick Dawson (DPaW) with a Pilbara olive python which were recovered. Picture: Stewart Allen. Source: News Corp Australia
Senior wildlife officer Rick Dawson said more than 20 of the reptiles were either dead by the time they had been discovered by authorities or had since died.
Among the animals seized were several species of reptiles listed as specially protected.
WA environment minister Albert Jacob said the state government was drafting legislation to significantly increase penalties for wildlife smuggling, lifting fines currently ranging from $4000 to $10,000 to up to $500,000.
The legislation should be introduced within the Liberal party’s current term of government, Mr Jacob said.
Wildlife traffickers also face up to 10 years in prison.
