TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN (Australia) 27 March 06 Police nab lizard-smuggler suspect
A Japanese man is facing a heavy fine or even jail for allegedly trying to smuggle six native Australian shingleback lizards out of a Perth airport in his luggage.
The 22-year-old was arrested by customs officers last night as he tried to leave Perth International Airport on a flight to Singapore.
Customs said the investigation which led to the man's arrest began last August after members of the public reported "suspicious activity" on Perth's Scarborough Beach.
"This investigation led customs officers to question a passenger on his arrival at Perth International Airport on 21 March 2006," customs said.
"When the passenger checked in at Perth for his Singapore-bound flight last night, his hold luggage was X-rayed and this allegedly revealed the presence of a number of reptiles."
Customs WA Regional Director Paul O'Connor said the agency took wildlife crime very seriously.
"The maximum penalty for offences under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is ten years' imprisonment and/or a fine of $110,000," he said.
The man was expected to face Perth Magistrates Court later today.
Police nab lizard-smuggler suspect