- This is one of NParks’ largest seizures of illegally kept wildlife in recent years
- Individuals suspected of illegal sale and possession of wildlife were targeted
16 September 2026 – On 14 September 2026, the National Parks Board (NParks) conducted a series of coordinated raids across Singapore, as part of efforts to curb the illegal sale and possession of wildlife.
NParks officers conducted simultaneous raids on residential premises belonging to six individuals believed to be involved in the sale of wildlife species, or/and have illegally kept wildlife. A total of 101 wildlife specimens were seized, including lizards, newts, pythons, tarantulas and turtles, among others. All were non-native species and not allowed to be sold, offered for sale, or kept as pets in Singapore.
Several of the species are also protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These include Appendix II and Appendix III -listed species such as the Armadillo Girdled Lizard (Ouroborus cataphractus), Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), Ball Python (Python regius), Blue Beauty Anole (Anolis equestris potior), Mount Elliot Leaf-tailed Gecko (Phyllurus amnicola), Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) and Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata).
Of the wildlife seized, 13 were found dead at the premises, possibly due to poor and unsuitable living conditions such as insufficient space with lack of ventilation and access to sufficient food and water. Many of them were also in poor health. For instance, a leopard gecko was found to be in poor condition with a ruptured and infected eye, and inability to shed its skin fully. These conditions are highly indicative of a long period of time captive under poor conditions.
1The species listed in Appendix II may be threatened with extinction if trade of these species is not regulated. Trade in these species is allowed only after traders have obtained the relevant CITES permits.
2Appendix III species are protected under the domestic law of a CITES Party, which has requested other Parties’ cooperation in controlling trade in it. Import requires a CITES export permit if from the listing country, or a Certificate of Origin if from any other country.
A few other leopard geckos and axolotls were also found to be very lethargic and in poor body condition. As a result, one leopard gecko had to be euthanised on animal welfare grounds.
The remaining wildlife are currently being housed and cared for at NParks’ Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation. As they come from unknown sources and may harbour diseases that can infect other animals and humans, they will also undergo a mandatory quarantine period, after which they will be evaluated for their suitability for repatriation or donation to animal establishments such as zoos, with euthanasia as the last resort.
Investigations into the six individuals for suspected illegal sale and possession of wildlife are ongoing.
NParks’ multi-pronged approach to tackling illegal sale and possession of wildlife
This year’s coordinated raids are the latest in NParks’ ongoing efforts to combat the illegal sale and possession of wildlife. In a similar operation last year, NParks seized 16 wildlife specimens from six premises across Singapore, targeting individuals suspected of engaging in illegal wildlife trade.
NParks adopts a multi-pronged approach to enforce against such activities. This includes working with partner agencies to conduct security checks at our borders, monitoring physical and online marketplaces, conducting operations against those suspected of illegal trade activities, and taking enforcement action against offenders. NParks also works with international partners to share intelligence, and maintain vigilance in regulating and enforcing against illegal wildlife trade.
As a further deterrence, NParks also enforces a robust legal framework with strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment. In 2022, the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, which regulates trade in wildlife species protected under CITES, was amended to introduce stiffer penalties for illegal trade in CITES species.
Zero-tolerance approach to illegal wildlife trade
Illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of endangered species and contributes to habitat destruction around the world. Singapore is a signatory to CITES and is committed to curbing illegal wildlife trade to ensure the long-term survival of these animals.
The illegal trade of wildlife, including non-CITES species, is regulated under the amended Wildlife Act. Under the Wildlife Act, a person must not offer for sale, sell or export any wildlife (whether alive or dead), or any part of a wildlife, unless they have the Director-General’s written approval to do so. Offenders may be fined up to S$50,000, jailed up to two years, or both. A person must also not import into Singapore any living wildlife unless they have the Director General’s written approval to do so. Offenders may be fined up to $10,000, jailed up to a year, or both.
Under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, individuals found guilty of illegally importing CITES Appendix I specimens face a maximum fine of S$100,000 per specimen (not exceeding an aggregate of S$500,000 or the market value of all specimens at the material time, whichever is higher) and a maximum imprisonment term of six years. For Appendix II and III specimens, the maximum penalties are a fine of S$50,000 per specimen and an imprisonment term of four years.
Risks to animal welfare and public health
Illegal wildlife trade poses serious risks to animal welfare and public health. Non-native species can become invasive when they reproduce and thrive in our local environment, causing negative impacts at the species, population and community levels. When present in large numbers, they can potentially threaten the survival of native biodiversity by competing for resources and upsetting the ecological balance.
In addition, smuggled animals are of unknown health status, and may carry infectious and contagious diseases contracted at their place of origin or from other animals during transit. These diseases can threaten not just native wildlife, but also humans and their pets.
Smuggled animals are also often kept and transported in cramped, poorly ventilated conditions. In some cases, they are heavily sedated to minimise noise and movement to avoid detection by the authorities, and such conditions may cause death. Even if the animals survive, they may have to be euthanised on welfare grounds, due to poor health or injury.
Public has a role to play
Many wildlife species are not permitted to be kept as pets, and purchasing such animals will continue to fuel the illegal wildlife trade. NParks urges prospective pet owners to adopt their pets from animal groups or to purchase them from licensed pet shops, and to avoid purchasing their pets from unlicensed sellers operating on social media or online platforms.
Pet owners, businesses and the public all have a shared responsibility to safeguard animal health and welfare, by not contributing to the demand for illegally imported animals. Buyers who abet the illicit import of their pets into Singapore may be prosecuted.
Members of the public with information on suspected poaching, smuggling or illegal trade of pet animals and wildlife can contact NParks at
www.avs.gov.sg/feedback or call our Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.
- End -
A Singapore Government Agency WebsiteHow to identify
) or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Related news
