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[herptrader]

I just saw a news item (Channel 10 in Melbourne) on a bust in a Dandenong factory (SE of Melbourne in Victoria). There were lots of Japanese Red Bellied Newts, a Red Eared Slider Turtle, and a couple of Red Tailed boas of good size.

A 25 year old man was charged.

There was mention of the $100K plus fine and or a jail sentence which I think was up to 5 months.

There was some mention that this was part of the crack down after the exotic amnesty and that the department was expecting to net a lot of exotics and place numerous charges because very few animals had been handed in as part of the amnesty.

Also seized was a rather beautiful Diamond Python and an Eastern Water Dragon.

The Exotics were to be passed on to Zoos and ... Wait for it.. The natives were said to be "Released to the wild". Given this last statement is obviously incorrect I have to question the accuracy the rest of the item. I would rather suspect that the exotics would be destroyed.

Does anyone care to guess how many similar raids there will be in the next short while?