Drug man jailed for possession of snake
A MAN has been convicted of illegally possessing a snake, turtle, weapons and drugs.
Townsville’s Major and Organised Crime Squad found a spotted python and freshwater turtle when they raided a Giru residence in October last year.
A total of 829g of cannabis, drug utensils, prescription medication, a rifle and a Taser were also found and seized.
Rex Whittingham, 44, was sentenced to six months imprisonment and fined a total of $ 4500 when he was convicted on seven offences in Townsville Magistrates Court including possession of a dangerous drug, unlawful possession of a weapon, and keeping protected wildlife.
The six months imprisonment was the penalty for the cannabis found in Whittingham’s possession which was estimated to be worth more than $ 20,000 if sold by the gram.
Whittingham was fined $ 1000 for the wildlife offence, $ 1500 for possession of the Taser, and $ 1500 for receiving a tainted weapon, unlawful possession of the rifle and possessing explosives.
A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said the snake and turtle had been removed from the wild.
In Queensland, native animals are protected and taking or possessing them without a permit is against the law.
“Anyone who keeps native wildlife must deal with a licensed provider and have all the necessary permits,” the spokeswoman said.
The snake and turtle were surrendered to departmental wildlife officers and will have to be rehomed as they are no longer suitable to be released into the wild.