A gecko with a ruptured and infected eye and a number of lethargic axolotls were among 101 wild animals seized by the National Parks Board (NParks) on Sept 14, during a raid conducted by its officers.
Speaking to the media during a briefing on the case on Sept 16, NParks’ director for enforcement and investigation Joshua Teoh said six people are being investigated for the suspected illegal possession and sale of these animals on social media platforms.
Thirteen of the animals were found dead at the residential premises, possibly the result of poor living conditions. Many others were found in bad health.
Mr Teoh said the seizures were not indicative of a trend of more wildlife being smuggled into Singapore or kept as pets.
Under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, the maximum penalties for those found guilty of illegally importing such specimens are a fine of $50,000 per specimen, an imprisonment term of four years, or both.
