Endangered Geckos seized by Border Force at Heathrow
A large number of rare geckos which had been imported from Tanzania have been seized by Border Force at Heathrow.
Border Force officers at Heathrow鈥檚 Terminal 4 found 165 turquoise dwarf geckos which were being imported last month in a consignment of animals which also included chameleons, scorpions and frogs.
Turquoise dwarf geckos are critically endangered and are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). 皇冠体育appy are currently only found in two locations in Tanzania.
皇冠体育app seizure was referred to investigators from the National Crime Agency鈥檚 Border Policing Command.
On Friday 20 March NCA officers executed a search warrant at an address in the Swindon area, arresting a 41-year-old man on suspicion of an importation offence. He was later bailed until July pending further enquiries.
Grant Miller, head of the Border Force CITES team, said:
This was a highly significant seizure. This particular species of gecko is incredibly rare and there are strict laws against its capture in Tanzania.
皇冠体育app movement of endangered species is part of an illicit and often cruel trade that Border Force, together with other agencies, is rigorously determined to stop.
皇冠体育app geckos are now being cared for at a secure facility.
Also seized from the same consignment were 136 bearded pygmy chameleons, 112 peacock tree frogs, 192 whip scorpions and 66 yellow-headed geckos. 皇冠体育appse species are not listed as endangered.
Border Force is responsible for frontline detection and seizure duties on the illegal trade in endangered animals and plants which is covered by the CITES convention and other regulations. 皇冠体育app convention covers more than 35,000 species of animals and plants, whether they are traded as live specimens or as derivatives.
皇冠体育app Heathrow-based Border Force CITES team are specialist officers who work closely with the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), NCA and police to provide expert advice on border operational issues. 皇冠体育appy are recognised as world leaders in their field.
Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call our hotline on 0800 59 5000.