More than 250 native lizards trapped and tightly bound in small containers were rescued by officers before they could be sent overseas, according to NSW Police.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said the criminal group was catching live lizards and other Australian reptiles to export for profit.

“This is a cold-blooded and cruel crime,” he said on Monday.

The group was being run by a 59-year-old man, while a 31-year-old person was responsible for catching the reptiles before two others handled their shipping, police said.

“At least 257 native lizards were kept in poor conditions and bound in small containers to be sent overseas,” Det Supt Koutsoufis said.

The trapped reptiles have been sent to various local zoos and wildlife parks before ideally being released back into the wild.

A strike force was set up in September 2023 with the help of state and federal officials to investigate illegal native animal and reptile exports.

That followed the interception of nine packages containing 59 live lizards on their way to Hong Kong.

Between December 20 and January 5, the strike force executed search warrants and vehicle intercepts in Pendle Hill, Panania and East Hills in Sydney and arrested the four people.

They have been charged with offences including illegally exporting native reptiles, dealing with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.

During the police search in East Hills, officers found 118 live lizards, three snakes and eight eggs as well as 25 dead lizards.

Koutsoufis said officers were pleased they were able to intervene early enough to save the vast majority of the animals.

But police were unable to confirm how many animals had been successfully exported before the bust.

The total value of the reptiles seized by police was about $1.2 million, based on an average sale price of $5000 per lizard.

– AAP