SINGAPORE — More than 30 wild animals have been seized from a HDB flat.

The seizure, which includes highly endangered and threatened species like the slow loris, marmoset, Indian star tortoise and ball python, is the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority’s (AVA) largest inland seizure of wildlife since 2002.

Acting on a tip off, the AVA raided the flat and seized the animals on June 3. A man is currently assisting the AVA in the investigations.

Other animals seized include three black-tailed prairie dogs, two sailfin dragons and five ornate horned frogs.

The seized animals, which are not allowed to be kept as pets in Singapore, have been sent to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) for proper care and custody, said the AVA in a statement.

A permit is required for any import and export/re-export of animals in Singapore.

As Singapore is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), it is an offence to possess or trade in any illegally imported or acquired CITES species.

If found guilty, the offender may be fined up to S$50,000 per specimen (not to exceed an aggregate of $500,000) and/or jailed up to 2 years.

In 2002, a man was fined S$25,000 and jailed for 3 months for having in possession 47 illegal wild animals as pets. The seized animals, which included prairie dogs, snakes, tortoises and turtles, a crocodile and lizards, were sent to WRS.

The AVA reminds the public not to import or keep wild animals as pets, as demand for such animals would fuel illegal wildlife trade.

“Wild animals are not suitable pets as some may transmit zoonotic diseases to humans and can be a public safety risk if mishandled or if they escape into our dense urban environment. Wild animals that are non-native to Singapore may also be a threat to our biodiversity if released into the environment,” said the authority.

Members of the public who have information on illegal wildlife activities can contact the AVA at 6325 7625.