herptrader
Very Well-Known Member
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?c=10218
Customs officers at Perth International Airport have foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 1,300 native beetles out of Australia.
Two American men have been charged over the alleged export racket and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday 11 April.
Acting on a tip-off to the Customs Hotline, officers stopped a 62-year-old man when he attempted to fly out of Perth airport to United States on Tuesday (8 April).
During a search of the man's luggage, officers allegedly found up to 1000 Tiger Beetles concealed inside six plastic containers. Investigators believe the beetles are Australian native species which cannot be exported without a permit.
Further questioning by Customs investigators identified a second man who was located by officers at the airport.
Inside this 63-year-old man's bags investigators allegedly found a further 200 Tiger Beetles, up to 100 Water Beetles and approximately 50 other assorted beetles. The beetles were contained in glass vials concealed inside five empty yoghurt containers.
Both men were arrested by Customs investigators and have been charged with exporting a regulated native species without a permit under section 303DD of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Customs National Manager Investigations, Richard Janeczko, said wildlife smuggling was a major international problem worth more than $10 billion annually.
"Australian species are favoured targets of wildlife smugglers. The bright colours and unique characteristics of Australian flora and fauna make them particularly attractive to overseas collectors. Wildlife trafficking is a cruel practice and unfortunately many animals die before reaching their destination," Mr Janeczko said.
He said Customs encouraged members of the public to report suspicious border activities, including suspected wildlife smuggling, to freecall 1800 06 1800.
The maximum penalty for illegal importing or exporting wildlife under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is $100,000 and/or 10 years jail.
Customs officers at Perth International Airport have foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 1,300 native beetles out of Australia.
Two American men have been charged over the alleged export racket and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday 11 April.
Acting on a tip-off to the Customs Hotline, officers stopped a 62-year-old man when he attempted to fly out of Perth airport to United States on Tuesday (8 April).
During a search of the man's luggage, officers allegedly found up to 1000 Tiger Beetles concealed inside six plastic containers. Investigators believe the beetles are Australian native species which cannot be exported without a permit.
Further questioning by Customs investigators identified a second man who was located by officers at the airport.
Inside this 63-year-old man's bags investigators allegedly found a further 200 Tiger Beetles, up to 100 Water Beetles and approximately 50 other assorted beetles. The beetles were contained in glass vials concealed inside five empty yoghurt containers.
Both men were arrested by Customs investigators and have been charged with exporting a regulated native species without a permit under section 303DD of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Customs National Manager Investigations, Richard Janeczko, said wildlife smuggling was a major international problem worth more than $10 billion annually.
"Australian species are favoured targets of wildlife smugglers. The bright colours and unique characteristics of Australian flora and fauna make them particularly attractive to overseas collectors. Wildlife trafficking is a cruel practice and unfortunately many animals die before reaching their destination," Mr Janeczko said.
He said Customs encouraged members of the public to report suspicious border activities, including suspected wildlife smuggling, to freecall 1800 06 1800.
The maximum penalty for illegal importing or exporting wildlife under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is $100,000 and/or 10 years jail.
