Two German nationals have been arrested near Askham in the Northern Cape for the illegal trade and possession of reptiles and controlled substances.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said the men were arrested last week following a multi-agency undercover operation.
Spokesperson, Albie Modise, said they were arrested while "illegally catching and trading in reptiles."
He said these included 28 Armadillo Girdled lizards, which are a threatened and protected species, as well as geckos and four tortoises that were found in the Northern Cape and destined to be smuggled out of the country into the lucrative international exotic pet trade.
"All South African tortoises and some of the lizards listed by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade in these species," Modise said.
He said dagga and 6 grams of heroin were also confiscated during the arrest.
Modise praised the collaboration of all members of the multi-disciplinary team, adding that without the dedication of the Green Scorpions, members of the security establishment, provincial officials and the private sector, the country would not be able to win the war against wildlife crime.
He said the two German nationals are due to appear in court in the Northern Cape on Monday.
