Apparently the fine of $220,000 and up to 2 years in jail is not enough to detour people from traveling to Hastings and attempting to smuggle the native snakes out for sale on the black market. Port Macquarie was known for its Stephens Banded Snakes and Intergrade Pythons. Apparently the Intergrade Pythons from that area have a distinct sought after coloration that is hard to reproduce in captivity.
One 50yo man was recently caught after being bitten by one of the Banded snakes and seeking emergency treatment but according to National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Andrew Marshall the man was not charged because he did not admit to his intentions to collect and sell the snake on the black market.