# Endangered lizard smuggling arrest in Japan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/endangered-lizard-smuggling-arrest-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-08-18T01:42:37.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Japanese authorities arrested 23-year-old Mexican national Daniel Isaac Velasco Baltazar at Haneda Airport for attempting to smuggle approximately 200 lizards into the country from South Korea.

Customs officials discovered the reptiles concealed within clothing, specifically hidden inside 22 pairs of socks and T-shirts. While initial reports identified the animals as endangered Blue-eyed alligator lizards, subsequent investigations confirmed the presence of nine Mexican alligator lizards (Abronia graminea), an endangered species native to Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental. During the inspection, one of the animals was found dead.

Reports indicate the suspect allegedly purchased the lizards in Mexico for between $3.50 and $4.70 each, whereas certain species can command prices as high as $630 in Japan. The suspect admitted to violating customs laws by failing to declare the animals. Authorities are continuing to investigate the shipment's origin, the intended market, and the full scale of the distribution network.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Haneda Airport customs officials arrest man for smuggling 200 lizards

A 23-year-old man was arrested at Tokyo's Haneda Airport after customs found 200 lizards, including endangered Mexican alligator lizards, hidden in socks within his luggage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haneda-airport-customs-officials-arrest-man-for-smuggling-200-lizards

### 2026-08-14: Tokyo police arrest man for smuggling 200 lizards

A Mexican national was arrested at Tokyo-Haneda Airport after customs officials discovered 200 lizards, including endangered Mexican alligator lizards, hidden in his clothing.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-police-arrest-man-for-smuggling-200-lizards

### 2026-08-12: Mexican national arrested for smuggling endangered lizards into Japan

A Mexican national was arrested for attempting to smuggle 200 endangered Blue-eyed alligator lizards from South Korea to Japan by hiding them in socks inside a suitcase.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-national-arrested-for-smuggling-endangered-lizards-into-japan

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Cite as: Endangered lizard smuggling arrest in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/endangered-lizard-smuggling-arrest-in-japan