Australia's Border Force says it stopped two tourists before they could allegedly carry out a plan to catch native snakes in the country and take them out of Australia.
The ABF says it disrupted the suspected plot when the travelers landed in the country and canceled the Danish nationals' visas, as reported by Pet News.
Here's what to know
After arriving in Perth from Doha on September 20, 2026, the three-person travel party, including the two Danish nationals, was traveling on tourist visas when officers subjected the group to baggage screening and formal interviews, Pet News reported.
During these interviews, authorities say they uncovered phone messages discussing taking Australian reptiles back to Denmark, and officers also found snake-catching tools alongside a guide to Australian snakes with marked sections for certain python species.
Despite this, one of the men claimed he had come to Australia only to photograph native snakes, not to capture them, a statement authorities did not believe.
ABF's Acting Superintendent, Dean Simpson, told the outlet that the case reflects a broader problem: "Wildlife smuggling is a global problem and one of the largest transnational organized criminal activities." Simpson added, "Smuggling animals for profit is illegal, cruel and inhumane, as sadly, many do not survive."
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After seizing their equipment, ABF canceled the two men's visas under section 116(1)(g) of the Migration Act, Pet News reported. Both were removed from Australia and may face an exclusion period of up to three years before they can apply for another visa.
Where can I learn more?
These cases show how wildlife trafficking can move through airports and legal loopholes.
• In India, customs officers found pythons and tortoises hidden inside an airline passenger's luggage.
• In Thailand, authorities seized 87 endangered animals packed into luggage at an airport.
• Investigators say traffickers used permits and loopholes to move protected wildlife across borders.
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