Mount Isa police, in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, have charged two men following the discovery of more than 30 animals and reptiles with an expected street value of more than $160,000, Queensland Police say.
Two men were intercepted in a vehicle on Old Mica Creek Road in Mount Isa on July 13 with officers searching the sedan.
Police will allege a search of the vehicle uncovered more than 30 animals listed as protected under the Nature Conservation Act.
The animals seized included a black headed python, blue-tongue lizard as well as rare frogs and lizards, snakes, geckos and skinks, which were released into the care of officials from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
The two rare frogs perished due to the poor conditions they were subjected to.
It will be alleged the animals were taken in remote areas of the Queensland and Northern Territory wilderness.
A 19-year-old Dalby man and a 27-year-old Lower Beechmont man are scheduled to appear in Mount Isa Magistrates Court on August 7 charged with nine counts of restriction on keeping or using a taken protected animal.
Detective Acting Sergeant Jarrod Horne said the detection of these offences and subsequent seizure of the protected animals will have a significant impact on deterring future offences.
"As investigations continue into this incident, we’re also encouraging anyone who has knowledge or information regarding this investigation or other incidents involving the theft of native fauna to contact Crime Stoppers.
