An Australian task force devoted to stopping illegal reptile exports announced the disruption of a “cold-blooded and cruel” criminal group allegedly trying to send A$1.2 million ($1.3m) worth of highly sought after native lizards and other reptiles from Sydney to Hong Kong.

The Whyaratta Strike Force, part of the anti-biker Raptor Squad, said four people have been charged over the alleged plot to hide hundreds of the bound reptiles in small chip packets and handbags.

Police released 257 reptiles, mostly lizards, New South Wales state police said in a statement.

Police estimate each reptile would sell for an average of A$5000 on the black market, making the haul of protected species worth more than A$1.2m.

The rescued reptiles were handed to various zoos and wildlife parks to be examined by veterinarians before being released into the wild, police said on Monday.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis called the alleged plot “cold-blooded and cruel”.

The strike force to investigate illegal reptile exports was established in September last year after nine packages containing 59 lizards were intercepted on their way to Hong Kong.

Three men and a woman, aged from 31 to 59, were arrested at various places in New South Wales between December 20 and last week, police said.

They have been charged with various offences relating to the alleged smuggling operation.