Man jailed after exotic snakes, turtles, iguanas found in foul-smelling package marked as ‘toys’ during border search

A horrific discovery inside a package from the Philippines has landed an Australian man behind bars, after a foul smell caught the attention of border officers.

A man’s attempt to import a series of exotic animals into Australia – some of which died during the ill-fated voyage – has been exposed after the plot was foiled by border force officials.

Queensland man Jesse Sayeg was this week handed a nine-month jail term after pleading guilty in Caloundra Magistrates Court to three offences related to the illegal importation of live exotic animals.

The case was cracked open in March 2023 when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers became suspicious of a package sent from the Philippines.

A strong odour from the package prompted them to alert the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

A Queensland man has been handed a nine-month prison sentence after admitting his involvement in a global wildlife trafficking ring that smuggled exotic animals into Australia. Picture: DAFF

An X-ray of the parcel, which has been misdeclared as “toys” and sent under a false name, revealed a consignment of reptiles and spiders.

A DAFF veterinarian opened the package to discover three snakes, six iguanas, three soft shell turtles and three tarantulas stuffed into calico drawstring bags.

Many of the animals were dead.

The discovery launched a two-year, multi-agency investigation dubbed Operation Cascade, which uncovered a broader criminal network spanning three Australian states including Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Jesse Sayeg appeared in Caloundra Magistrates Court this week, where he admitted to three offences related to the illegal importation of live tortoises and turtles. Picture: DAFF

Subsequent search warrants led authorities to seize a further trove of exotic species, including two hog nose snakes, 45 tarantulas, three eco-skeleton spiders, two scorpions, an African hedgehog and an alligator snapping turtle.

DAFF Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance, Justine Saunders, warned of the serious risks posed by such illegal activity.

A DAFF veterinarian opened the package to discover three snakes, six iguanas, three soft shell turtles, and three tarantulas stuffed into calico drawstring bags. Many of the animals were dead. Picture: DAFF

DAFF Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance, Justine Saunders, said the illegal introduction of exotic animals into Australia poses a significant threat.

“Exotic animals can carry biosecurity risks and diseases unknown in Australia, potentially devastating agriculture, native wildlife and even human health,” Ms Saunders said.

Breaches of Australia’s biosecurity laws are treated with the utmost seriousness, carrying penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines as high as $1.65 million for individuals, or $8.25 million for companies. Picture: DAFF

She said breaches of Australia’s biosecurity laws are treated with the utmost seriousness, carrying penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines as high as $1.65 million for individuals, or $8.25 million for companies.

“DAFF has more than a thousand biosecurity officers working at our borders and in mailrooms every day who are trained to pick up anomalies in the system,” she said.

Ms Saunders said wildlife trafficking was a major global crime, ranking just behind arms, drugs and human trafficking in scale.

“DAFF, along with other government agencies, are united in their commitment to eradicate the illicit wildlife trade and will take vigorous and relentless action to seek out those responsible, bring them to justice and stop this global crime.”

Originally published as Man jailed after exotic snakes, turtles, iguanas found in foul-smelling package marked as ‘toys’ during border search