Two dead crocodiles found in Sydney home link man to illegal export racket

Australian Associated Press
Updated

A python, a turtle, three monitor lizards and two dead crocodiles were among 19 reptiles seized from a western Sydney home linked to a suspected illegal export racket.

A 25-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with 165 animal abuse offences after police found the reptiles in a raid at a Lethbridge Park property on Thursday.

A South American mata mata turtle and shingleback lizards were among the reptiles seized by authorised wildlife handlers.
A South American mata mata turtle (left) and 12 shingleback lizards (right) were among the reptiles seized. Source: NSW Police

Investigators also located and seized mobile phones and other electronic devices to undergo forensic examination.

The charges also relate to the seizure of 147 reptiles in 2017, including a death adder and dozens of geckos.

Two deceased crocodiles and a live snake were removed from the property in western Sydney.
Two deceased crocodiles (left) and a snake (right) were seized after investigations into the illegal exportation of protected Australian animals. Source: NSW Police

Police will allege the man captured native animals before they were sold overseas for at least $38,000.

The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to face the Mt Druitt Local Court on June 5.

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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