A Sydney man’s bizarre plan to mail Australian reptiles overseas has earned him an eight-year jail sentence — a record for wildlife smuggling. Neil Simpson, 61, must serve at least five years and four months.

Between 2018 and 2023, Simpson tried to send 101 native reptiles — including shingleback lizards, bearded dragons, and pygmy skinks — to Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Romania. His packaging? Calico bags hidden in popcorn bags, biscuit tins, and even a woman’s handbag, says Arab News.

Simpson attempted to recruit others to help mail the animals, but authorities intercepted the parcels and convicted three accomplices as well.

The New South Wales environment department said the illegal trade “is not a victimless crime,” warning that it harms conservation and strips Australia of its unique wildlife.

In the end, the dragons didn’t fly, and the popcorn stayed in the box — while Simpson landed behind bars.