Criminal syndicates targeting international students to smuggle Aussie reptiles, authorities warn

Australian reptiles are a lucrative trade on the black market for exotic animals, and authorities warn international students are increasingly being targeted to smuggle them out of the country. Dani Yannopoulos from the National EPA said serious organised criminal networks are using global networks to move drugs, firearms and exotic animals. “There’s a demand for our unique wildlife,” Ms Yannopoulos said. She said the agency has seen a trend of international students being targeted to move the animals. It follows a record number of specimens intercepted by authorities last year, including the second-highest number of reptiles seized in the past…