Record jail sentence for attempted reptile smuggler

sconeadvocate.com.au · Feb 17, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Authorities seized live lizards, skinks and dragons as part of an illegal smuggling investigation. Photo: HANDOUT/Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterBlue-tongue lizards, bearded dragons and desert skinks are among hundreds of reptiles seized by authorities as part of investigations into an illegal wildlife smuggling enterprise. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperAll other in your areaSydney man Neil Simpson, 61, has been sentenced to eight years in jail for attempting to export native reptiles to Hong Kong, Romania, South Korea and Sri Lanka between 2018 and 2023. He will serve at least five years and four months behind bars before becoming eligible for parole in what authorities say is the longest sentence ever given to an Australian wildlife smuggler.Authorities seized 101 live lizards, skinks and dragons stuffed into calico bags and concealed in popcorn packets, biscuit tins and a handbag during their investigations. Hundreds more were seized in subsequent searches by Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water investigators and NSW Police. Shingleback lizards, Western and Centralian blue-tongue lizards, Southern Pygmy and Eastern Pilbara spiny-tailed skinks were among those seized. Three other individuals have been convicted for their roles in the criminal enterprise after Simpson engaged them to post packages on his behalf to avoid detection. Investigators found reptiles concealed in popcorn packets, biscuit tins and a handbag. (HANDOUT/Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)Environmental regulators have celebrated the record sentence. "The illegal international trade in Australia's precious wildlife is cruel and has a devastating impact on our biodiversity," a department spokesperson said. "The heartless criminals who attempt to exploit the popularity of our native wildlife in overseas markets for quick profits should take note."It is an offence under federal environmental law to export regulated native species without a permit.Exporting regulated native species without a permit is a federal offence. (HANDOUT/Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)Unregulated animal exports are an ongoing focus of environmental regulators, including the recently established Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator in NSW. "We're working closely with our partners to stop parcels at the border using advanced scanning technologies that detect animals through any concealment method," the spokesperson said. "If you attempt to illegally export our native wildlife, your parcel will be intercepted, and our investigators will track you down."Australian Associated PressMore from NSW