CANBERRA: Australian customs has arrested two Russian men for an attempt to smuggle country’s native animals to Europe. Eduard Galoyan and Roman Nazarov were arrested along with two Czech men at Perth International Airport earlier in February, according to AAP.
They allegedly attempted to smuggle about 160 living reptiles and amphibians including geckos, skinks, frogs and pygmy pythons, and 33 dead reptiles which are believed to be used as specimens. The charges were brought against the four suspects under both Commonwealth of Australia and state conservation acts. Presently, the accused Russians are engaged in negotiations with the Commonwealth about their charges, AAP reports. On Friday, Galoyan and Nazarov, who have been put in Hakea Prison, took part in the talks held in Perth Magistrates Court via video conference.
