30 native animals seized
Dalby man charged over reptile haul
A DALBY man is one of two people charged with illegally possessing more than 30 animals and reptiles with an expected street value of more than $160,000.
The Dalby man, 19, and a 27-year-old Lower Beechmont man, were charged with nine offences after a search of a vehicle in Mount Isa last week.
The two men were intercepted on Old Mica Creek Rd in Mount Isa last Thursday and the vehicle was searched when police allegedly located more than 30 animals listed as protected under the Nature Conservation Act.
Among the seized animals was a black headed python and a blue-tongue lizard, as well as rare frogs and lizards, snakes, geckos and skinks.
The animals were released into the care of officials from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
Police said two rare frogs died due to the “poor conditions they were subjected to”.
Police will allege the animals were taken from remote areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The two men were charged with nine counts of restriction on keeping or using a taken protected animal.
Detective Acting Sergeant Jarrod Horne said the detection of these offences and subsequent seizure of the protected animals will have a significant impact on deterring future offences.
“As investigations continue into this incident, we’re also encouraging anyone who has knowledge or information regarding this investigation or other incidents involving the theft or native fauna to contact Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000,” he said.