SYDNEY (AP) — An Australian task force devoted to stopping illegal reptile exports announced the disruption of a “cold-blooded and cruel” criminal group allegedly trying to send AU$1.2 million ($808,000) worth of highly-sought native lizards and other reptiles from Sydney to Hong Kong.
The Whyaratta Strike Force, part of the anti-biker Raptor Squad, said that four people have been charged over the alleged plot to hide hundreds of the bound reptiles in small chip packets and handbags.
Police released 257 reptiles, mostly lizards, New South Wales state Police Force said in a statement Monday.
The rescued reptiles were handed to various zoos and wildlife parks to be examined by veterinarians before being released into the wild, police said.
They have been charged with various offenses relating to the alleged smuggling operation.
Persons:
—, Andrew Koutsoufis
Organizations:
SYDNEY, Whyaratta, Force, Raptor, Police Force, Police
Locations:
Australian, Sydney, Hong Kong, New South Wales