Inp.polri.go.id - Merauke. Quarantine officers at Mopah Airport, Merauke, South Papua, foiled the attempts to smuggle 190 reptiles bound for Jakarta over two days, an official said on Saturday (20/4/2024).

Head of South Papua Quarantine Office Cahyono said that the  quarantine officers initially seized 157 reptiles, including Umbrella lizards and brown monitors, from a package labeled "herbal." 

Lion Air airways officials later uncovered another 33 Umbrella lizards disguised as "makeup boxes", as reported by antaranews.com. 

These reptiles, endemic to Merauke, are protected species. 

Cahyono stressed the importance of preserving Merauke's unique wildlife and called on enhanced vigilance among airport personnel due to persisted smuggling attempts. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)