An Australian has been sentenced to eight years in prison for trafficking reptiles, hidden in packages, destined for several countries, including Romania.

Neil Simpson, at the age of 61, was sentenced by a court in Sydney to a record sentence of eight years in prison for wildlife trafficking. The sentence includes a mandatory minimum period of five years and four months.

Investigators confiscated 101 Australian reptiles, which were hidden in popcorn bags, cookie boxes, and a purse, intended for export to Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Romania, between 2018 and 2023. Simpson attempted to recruit others to send the animals in his place, but was identified by the New South Wales police.

Three other individuals were also convicted in this case. The New South Wales Department of Environment highlighted the negative impact of illegal trafficking on biodiversity and species conservation.