They weren't ordinary boots. Stuffed inside a pair of black work shoes were 18 live native reptiles. These included Lace Monitors, Blue-Tongue Lizards and Cunningham's Skinks. These animals were boxed, labelled, and ready to be posted overseas.
In July 2025, our Environmental Crime Team intercepted a parcel in Queensland that was bound for Hong Kong. Inside were native reptiles - species popular on the overseas illicit pet market, often trafficked in cruel and cramped conditions.
The accused, a 33-year-old man, was arrested and now faces charges under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Act makes it illegal to export protected wildlife without a permit. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, a $330,000 fine - or both.
Australian reptiles continue to be prime targets for illegal trade. Criminal networks recruit people through online ads offering easy cash for simple errands. But the job turns out to be smuggling native wildlife. We disrupt and expose the organised crime syndicates who coordinate the exports and imports of live animals.
Our Environmental Crime team actively investigates and arrests those involved. If you break the EPBC Act, we will find you, we will stop you, and you will feel the full force of the law.
We work closely with other Commonwealth and state government agencies, Australia Post, wildlife centres and international partners. Together, we're identifying and stopping wildlife crime at every step of the supply chain.
We are seizing more animals than ever before, with more officers and resources dedicated to ending this trade. We also take alleged breaches of the EPBC Act seriously and respond with action.
The seized reptiles are now in the care of the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
If you suspect an activity does not comply with our legislation, report it immediately. You can report illegal wildlife activities, or call 1800 110 395.
