Two people have been charged after several exotic and native animals were seized from six different properties, including a house at Albion Park Rail, on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Following an investigation, police executed six search warrants at homes in East Hills, Petersham, Greystanes, Riverstone, Whalan and Albion Park Rail from 6am on Wednesday.
A red-bellied snake was located at the Albion Park Rail address, while Australian magpies, a death adder, a python, lizards and turtles were recovered from Sydney properties.
A 55-year-old man was arrested at the East Hills home and taken to Bankstown Police Station and a 27-year-old man was arrested at the Greystanes home and taken to Granville Police Station.
The pair have been charged with the trafficking of exotic animals and protected Australian fauna.
All of the animals will be seized by authorised wildlife handlers.
Investigators also seized mobile phones, computers and electronic storage devices, which will undergo forensic examination.
Last year, detectives from the Criminal Groups Squad's Strike Force Raptor commenced an investigation into alleged money laundering offences relating to the unlawful trafficking of exotic animals and protected Australian fauna.
During the course of the investigation, officers uncovered a criminal syndicate involved in the illegal trade of native and exotic fauna across Australia, Canada, Asia and the United States of America.
Detectives also uncovered criminal activity including large-scale fraud and money laundering.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
