Overview

• Jesse Sayeg pleaded guilty to three offences in Caloundra Magistrates Court and received a nine-month prison term for his role in the smuggling ring
• Operation Cascade began in March 2023 after Australian Border Force intercepted a foul-smelling package from the Philippines containing concealed wildlife
• An initial seizure uncovered 15 reptiles and spiders misdeclared as toys in calico bags, many of which were dead on arrival
• Follow-up search warrants across Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia yielded hog nose snakes, 45 tarantulas, scorpions, an African hedgehog and an alligator snapping turtle
• DAFF Deputy Secretary Justine Saunders warned that illegal wildlife trade ranks fourth among transnational illicit trades and can devastate agriculture, native species and human health, carrying penalties of up to ten years’ imprisonment and multimillion-dollar fines