[Geitje]

Unbelievable. This time with N. gemmeus!?!?! What are they thinking? A Swiss stockbroker and a Mexican chef? Seriously? What a combo. Is this the same Thomas Price (the Somali tank rider) that was on the forums?

Visitors arrested over gecko find | Stuff.co.nz

[Chris3004]

Topped with an Ugandan German

[sune jensen]

Saw his news on another site a couple of days ago
According to this link there is hope for reintroducing the animals:


Recovered geckos to be returned to Otago peninsula - Story - National - 3 News

[DDReptiles]

Hopefully they are able to return them to the wild.

[Nephrurus]

I also hope they can be released. I can't see the point in smuggling wild caught animals. Why not contact a breeder in NZ and smuggle some healthy CB ones? It'd certainly maximise you chances of survival AND not affect the wild population.
Wildlife poaching is a terrible thing... Although the punishment is just... the guilty parties will probably get raped repeatedly by some massive lifers.

[GeckoFiend]

Gecko smuggler sentenced - crime - national | Stuff.co.nz


15 weeks in prison??? Is that all the punishment?

[Ruru]

Pretty sad when the maximum fine is $10,000!

[Nephrurus]

15 weeks is more than enough time to become acquainted with a 300pound lifer.
Ouch!

-H

[GeckoFiend]

but, if you look at the risk: $192000 OR the chance at less than 4 months in jail and 10k in fines?

No wonder people are taking the chance. They need to have more than a slap on the wrist.

[GeckoTom]

Yes, I also think that 10.000,-- is a much to small fee!
And the time in jail, too!

Thre is no real danger for the smugglers

Regards
Tom