Australian man jailed for mailing reptiles in popcorn bags
Between 2018 and 2023, Simpson tried to send 101 native reptiles — including shingleback lizards, bearded dragons, and pygmy skinks — to Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Romania
A Sydney man's bizarre plan to mail Australian reptiles overseas has earned him an eight-year jail sentence — a record for wildlife smuggling. Neil Simpson, 61, must serve at least five years and four months.
Between 2018 and 2023, Simpson tried to send 101 native reptiles — including shingleback lizards, bearded dragons, and pygmy skinks — to Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Romania. His packaging? Calico bags hidden in popcorn bags, biscuit tins, and even a woman's handbag, says Arab News.
Simpson attempted to recruit others to help mail the animals, but authorities intercepted the parcels and convicted three accomplices as well.
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The New South Wales environment department said the illegal trade "is not a victimless crime," warning that it harms conservation and strips Australia of its unique wildlife.
In the end, the dragons didn't fly, and the popcorn stayed in the box — while Simpson landed behind bars.
