A Chinese citizen has been sentenced in Sydney after attempting to smuggle close to 100 native Australian reptiles out of the country. Authorities have issued a stern warning that such wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated.

Shiyao Wang, 27, received a sentence of two years and seven months at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court. The sentence will be served as an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO).

Wang was apprehended while trying to send dozens of lizards to Hong Kong. These reptiles were cruelly restrained in socks and concealed within everyday household items.

This operation, known as Operation ARES, was spearheaded by Environmental Crime Investigators from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

In November 2024, the investigation led to the seizure of eight parcels containing 19 blue-tongued lizards. According to a department spokesperson, these creatures were packed in a manner described as “cruel and inhumane.”

The lizards were found confined in socks and hidden inside various items such as work boots, tackle boxes, and cosmetic bags.

Wang was arrested in December 2024 at her Ashfield home after investigators intercepted a domestic package containing 35 native reptiles, including more Blue-tongued lizards, Eastern Ranges rock skinks, and Cunningham’s skinks.

During a search of Wang’s home, another 40 specimens, including shingleback lizards, were found, bringing the total number of native reptiles seized to 94.

A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said the sentence sends a clear warning to those attempting to profit from Australia’s unique biodiversity.

“This sentence sends a strong message to the community that wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.

“Anyone found to be attempting to profit from the illegal export of Australia’s wildlife will face serious consequences, including jail time.”

The department noted that Australia’s unique fauna is in huge demand overseas, and licenced breeders, pet stores, and hobbyists must prevent native animals from “falling into the hands of cruel and inhumane illegal wildlife trafficking syndicates.”

Exporting Australian wildlife is considered a serious offence under national environment law, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $330,000, or both.