HONG KONG couple has been arrested in Perth for attempting to smuggle reptiles hidden inside teddy bears.

The 27-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were arrested last night following a joint investigation by Customs and Border Protection officials and the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation.

Authorities had been monitoring the pair after they allegedly made several attempts to post teddy bears overseas which contained more than 18 bobtail lizards, sand swimmer skinks and crevice skinks.

Over the past 12 weeks, a total of six packages in four consignments were intercepted by Customs and Border Protection at Perth Mail centre.

Authorities searched a St James residence last night and seized 12 more bobtail lizards, several soft toys, packaging and postage material.

Customs and Border Protection WA Regional Director, Amanda Bott, said: “The smuggling of wildlife into and out of Australia is a serious issue. These activities if left uncontrolled could result in the extinction of species in the wild.”

DEC senior wildlife investigator Rick Dawson said bobtail lizards were worth up to $7500 on the Asian black market.

“While common in Western Australia, these lizards are highly sought after in Asia because they are easy to care for, attractive, and exotic,” he said.

“In some instances the reptiles’ eyes had been taped up, and the cold and cramped conditions they would have had to endure on a long journey without food or water in a cargo hold is abhorrent.

“This joint effort between Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Environment and Conservation demonstrates that we are committed to putting an end to this cruel practice.”

The seized reptiles will be assessed this afternoon by veterinary staff at Perth Zoo.

The maximum penalty for illegally importing and possessing wildlife under WA’s Wildlife Conservation Act is $4000.

The maximum penalties for offences under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are 10 years imprisonment or a fine of $110,000 or both.