At least 160 kilograms (352 pounds) of medicines, including parts of tiger, snake and rhinoceros, were seized after two shipping containers were stopped in the first week of September.

Subsequent investigations by Customs and the Department of Environment and Heritage led to a residential property and a warehouse, said Customs Minister Chris Ellison. The government said this was the first major seizure of large commercial quantities of traditional medicines made from endangered species.

"Since 1999, the Australian government has seized more than 17,000 illegal wildlife imports and exports, but the vast bulk of them have been small imports brought in by travellers for personal use," it said in a statement.

"This successful seizure of large commercial quantities should serve as a warning that the Australian government is committed to eliminating the illegal trade in commodities made from endangered species."

Among the items seized were 40 kilograms of pangolin scales, taken from an estimated 120 animals. The pangolin, or scaly anteater, is under threat in Asia from hunting.

Charges are expected to be laid, with potential penalties of up to 110,000 dollars (74,800 US dollars) in fines and 10 years in prison under a law passed in 1999.

TERRA.WIRE