Attempt to smuggle Komodo dragon from Labuan Bajo to Bali in sock

Authorities have found a young Komodo dragon stuffed in a sock with its mouth taped in what police say was an attempt to smuggle the reptile to Bali.

Indonesian authorities have allegedly caught someone trying to smuggle a juvenile Komodo dragon from Labuan Bajo to Bali.

The reptile was found with its mouth taped in a sock inside a backpack on a banana truck, according to local media.

The main suspect, identified by the initials HR, reportedly bought the Komodo dragon from locals who had captured the lizard on Rinca Island in Komodo National Park.

The Komodo islands are home of the Komodo dragon, the biggest living lizard in the world. Picture: istock

DetikBali reported young Komodo dragons were being smuggled from Komodo National Park to Labuan Bajo and then on to Bali or Java.

“From Komodo National Park they use sea transportation in the form of small ketinting boats,” West Manggarai deputy chief of police Budi Guna Putra said at a press conference, according to an English translation.

A juvenile Komodo dragon. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

The reptile, believed to be about a year old, was found on Monday, October 30 at Labuan Bajo port but unfortunately died not long after being seized.

In this case, the outlet said six people were arrested.

A Komodo dragon on Rinca Island, where it is believed locals captured the reptile. Picture: istock

The coastal town of Labuan Bajo on Indonesia’s Flores Island is the gateway to the Komodo Islands and the “next big thing after Bali”, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Made Ayu Marthini.

It is one of five destinations the Indonesian government want to drive international tourists to, instead of crowding Bali.

Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards on Earth and can grow to be 3m long.