BORDER TELEGRAPH (Galashiels, UK) 22 August 07 Reptile raid tip of the iceberg
A raid in Tweedbank has led to the seizure of rare tortoises.
And wildlife crime investigators believe they may have smashed a major illegal smuggling ring.
Police and the SSPCA swooped on a van which was on its way to deliver the rare reptiles after receiving a tip off.
They discovered 15 tortoises, many from breeds that are on the verge of extinction, and two parrots.
It is understood the animals were on their way to various Scottish addresses after being sold through the Internet for prices in excess of £150 each.
They had been captured from the wild and illegally brought into Britain to be sold on as pets.
One investigator told the Border Telegraph: "This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is a significant development. We expect this discovery will lead to arrests in England.
"There is a legal breeding of tortoises and illegal breeding of tortoises and this definitely comes into the latter category.
"They were being delivered to homes throughout Scotland but people are probably unaware that they are breaking the law buying them this way.
"Gone are the days of the £2 tortoise being put in the garden to crawl about.
"The tortoises, some of whom are from breeds which are critically endangered, were not in a good condition so this raid was a major success as this practice needs to be stamped out.”
The joint operation was conducted by Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Two men were detained after the van was stopped in Galashiels. Both were interviewed before being released.
Investigators are still establishing how the tortoises, which come from all over the world, managed to arrive into Britain.
PC Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer with Lothian and Borders Police, confirmed the operation in conjunction with the SSPCA had taken place and 15 tortoises had been recovered.
He told us: "Our enquiries are continuing and we hope to be a position to make arrests soon.
"It is another example of agencies working well together to stamp out wildlife crime."
The seized tortoises are all being cared for in SSPCA centres.
Doreen Graham from the SSPCA said: "We would ask the Scottish public to help us and track information to establish the size of the trade.
"We would like to speak to anyone who has bought any tortoise this year.
"We would ask them to contact us on 0870 2404832."
The maximum sentence for being involved in the smuggling and sale of endangered species is two years in prison or a £10,000 fine.
Reptile raid tip of the iceberg