Malaysian customs police seize smuggled lizards

Feb 22, 2011, 7:44 GMT

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian customs officers foiled an attempt by an Indonesian man to smuggle five Tokay geckos estimated to be worth 100,000 ringgit (31,750 dollars), an official said Tuesday.

Customs officers from the southern state of Johor conducted a surprise inspection on a ferry from Indonesia's Batam island late Sunday, and found the suspect acting suspiciously, a state police spokesman said.

He said a check on the man's box, which the suspect claimed held clothing, revealed the reptiles kept in individual plastic bottles.

The 40-year-old man, who did not have a permit for the animals, was released after questioning and the otherwise healthy lizards were to be handed over to the Wildlife and National Parks Department.

The Tokay gecko, a protected species, is prized for its supposed medicinal value and can be sold for at least 20,000 ringgit (6,350 dollars) each. Larger ones can cost up to 35,000 ringgit.

Its medicinal value has yet to be scientifically proven, but many locals believe the reptile's saliva is able to cure AIDS. The flesh is believed to be an aphrodisiac, and the blood and bile are said to suppress the growth of cancerous tumours.

Read more about Malaysia Crime

Read more about Nature