The arrests follow an investigation by Strike Force Whyaratta which was formed to investigate the illegal export of native animals and reptiles after nine packages containing 59 live lizards, were intercepted on their way to Hong Kong.
Strike force officers stopped a vehicle in Panania about 1.30pm on Friday, December 29, and arrested the 59-year-old driver, before charging him with 13 offences, including knowingly direct activities of criminal group, one count of export regulated native specimen without permit/exemption, 11 counts of attempt to export regulated native specimen without permit/exemption, and deal with property proceeds of crime.
During a subsequent search of an address in East Hills, police located 118 lizards, three snakes, eight eggs and 25 deceased lizards.
A week later, a 31-year-old man from East Hills was arrested and charged with deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal, deal with property proceeds of crime and participate in criminal group.
Police will allege in court the criminal group were catching live lizards and native Australian reptiles to export for profit to Hong Kong. The animals were kept in poor conditions and bound in small containers when they were packaged to be sent.
Over the course of the investigation, during both search warrants and package intercepts, officers allegedly located 257 lizards, which were taken to various zoos and wildlife parks for examination by a vet before being released back to the wild.
Based on an average of $5,000 a lizard, the total value of reptiles seized by police is approximately $1.2m.
A 41-year-old woman was also charged with six counts of export regulated native specimen without permit/exemption and a 54-year-old man charged with four counts of export regulated native specimen without permit/exemption, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000 and participate in a criminal group.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.