Chinese man charged for smuggling 163 Australian reptiles

A Chinese national has been charged with attempting to smuggle 163 native Australian reptiles — including lizards and snakes — to Hong Kong and China. Animals were stuffed alive into socks, shoes, and toys to evade X-ray detection. Officials linked the case to an international wildlife trafficking syndicate. Offenders face fines up to $330,000 and 10 years' imprisonment.