Dalby Man Involved in Illegal Animal Smuggling Operation
Western Downs
Images: QPS
Two men have allegedly tried to transport 30 animals with a street value of more than $160,000.
A 19-year-old Dalby man and 27-year-old Lower Beechmont man were pulled over by police on July 13, a search conducted of the pair’s vehicle found the animals.
The animals seized from the search 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 the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
Two rare frogs perished due to the poor conditions to which they were subjected.
The men will be charged with nine counts of keeping or using a taken protected animal and will appear in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court on August 7.