Man receives record sentence for smuggling reptiles in popcorn bags

An Australian court sentenced 61-year-old Neil Simpson to eight years in prison for large-scale smuggling of protected reptiles abroad.

According to France24, the Sydney man hid lizards, agamas, and skinks in fabric bags and then disguised them in popcorn bags, cookie tins, and even a woman's handbag. The packages were mainly sent to Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Romania.

Between 2018 and 2023, investigators rescued a total of 101 reptiles in 15 shipments. According to federal authorities, this is a record sentence in the area of illegal wildlife trade.

Simpson cannot apply for parole for at least five years and four months. Three other people were also involved in the case and have already been convicted by the court.

The authorities also emphasized that animal smuggling is not without consequences—it harms nature conservation and weakens Australia's unique biodiversity.

(pir)