KUALA LUMPUR: A 19-year-old teenager from Malaysia has been charged with attempting to smuggle live native lizards out of Australia.
The investigation stemmed from an alert by an air cargo company, which notified authorities about three lizards found in a consignment labelled "toys" bound for Malaysia in February.
According to a report by 9News, officers from the Australian Border Force and wildlife allegedly found geckos, spiders, and scorpions at a location in the Perth suburb of Subiaco on May 7, 2024.
"The lizards were suspected to be destined for sale through the lucrative international wildlife market," alleged the Australian Border Force.
The animals, along with three electronic devices, were confiscated. Following this, the teenager was arrested and charged with attempting to export a regulated native species.
Australian Border Force assistant commissioner Chris Waters stated that the apprehension has stopped Australian wildlife from being exported for financial gain, a process that is not only inhumane but frequently leads to the demise of the animals transported unlawfully.
"This is an outstanding result, which quite possibly has prevented even more Australian wildlife from being sent overseas for profit – a practice that is not only cruel but often results in the death of the animals smuggled in this manner," he said.