A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty Tuesday to illegally trafficking live water monitor lizards into the U.S. from the Philippines.
Derrick Semedo, 26, pleaded guilty in Boston federal court to one count of wildlife trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act. Semedo admitted to bringing in more than 20 of the lizards between March and December of 2016.
According to Justice Department release, “the lizards were placed in socks, which were sealed closed with tape, and then concealed in the back panels of audio speakers or other electronic equipment.”
Semedo would then sell the large lizards to customers in New Hampshire and other states. The plea agreement says that Semedo knew the activity was criminal. Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark noted the impact on taking the lizards from their natural habitat.
“To remove members of endangered species from their natural habitat and illegally sell them in the United States is harmful to the animals, their native habitats, and the new ecosystems they have unwittingly invaded,” Clark said. “The Department of Justice remains determined to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that these endangered animals are protected.”
Water monitors are some of of the largest lizards in the world and are characterized by their heavy bodies, powerful claws, and long tails. Adult lizards can range from 3 and 5 feet in length but can reach a maximum length of up to 9 feet.
