AN ENDEAVOUR Hills couple believed to be behind a major reptile smuggling ring has left the country.
The husband-and wife team - allegedly illegally trading geckos online for $1200 to $10,000 a pair since 2008 - faces fines of up to $24,000 or two years in jail.
Department of Sustainability and Environment investigators raided their Endeavour Hills house on March 26, seizing four geckos, mobile phones, computer notebooks and documents.
But the duo skipped out on an interview with investigators last Monday and boarded a plane to China.
Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said trafficking was cruel and illegal.
“Taking these reptiles out of their natural environment in this manner can often lead to the death of the animal in distressing and painful circumstances,” Mr Jennings said.
“The DSE is now investigating the possibility hundreds of geckos were allegedly illegally bought and sold over a two year period by these people.”
Department investigators said they were preparing a prosecution brief and hoped to enlist the co-operation of the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network.
THE SOURCE
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Attitude, rather than disposition is more definitive of serpent behavior. From the moment they emerge into this world until they complete their life cycle, their attitude is "Don't tread on me. I am well equipped to defend myself, but content to pass through life unnoticed. I mean no harm to anything or anyone that our creator has not provided as my bill of fare; I am self sustaining and I like it that way, please pass me by." - W.E. Haast
