Two men who allegedly attempted to smuggle 77 reptiles, including three venomous snakes, from the Northern Territory to Queensland have been charged.
The men were stopped by remote police at Avon Downs in July last year and served with a warrant for the search of their vehicle, which resulted in the seizure of the reptiles that were being transported without authority, paperwork, or proof of possessions.
The 39-year-old driver and his 23-year-old passenger were in possession of 77 reptiles, including three venomous snakes and 26 different species of reptiles which are all protected wildlife in the Northern Territory.
Maximum penalties for anyone found guilty of illegally interfering with protected wildlife include five years imprisonment or a $78,500 fine.
The NT Government urged anyone who is aware of or suspects a person to be illegally interfering with protected wildlife to call NT police on 131 444, Parks and Wildlife on 0401 115 731 or Border Watch on 1800 06 1800.
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