En a nighttime checkpoint on National Route No. 25, the Gaiman, Chubut police intercepted three poachers in a truck after a chase of several kilometers.
The occupants attempted to escape at high speed but were surrounded by patrols. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the officers discovered an illegal cargo of 1,000 kilos of processed meat and an arsenal of weapons.
The seized cargo
The clandestine slaughter included protected species and domestic animals:
- Guanaco: 16 loins, 15 quarters, 11 shoulders, and 5 pulps.
- Rhea (choique): 2 quarters without sanitary preservation.
- Horse: 8 quarters, 6 shoulders, 6 loins, 3 ribs, one flank, and one pulp.
All the meat was hidden under dirty tarps and black plastics, without authorized slaughterhouse seals or veterinary certificates, posing a risk to public health.
The arsenal found
In the cabin, a true arsenal was found:
- Precision rifles with telescopic sights for night hunting.
- 5 butcher knives, a sharpening steel, and a pair of pliers.
- A leather lasso and blood-stained gloves.
The occupants did not have gun licenses or hunting permits, leading to their immediate arrest and the opening of criminal cases for violating wildlife protection laws.
Environmental and social impact
Poaching of guanacos and rheas causes irreparable damage to the Patagonian steppe. These species fulfill key ecological functions:
- The guanaco is a seed disperser and a fundamental piece in the food chain.
- The rhea contributes to the balance of grasslands and is part of the region’s natural heritage.
Rural producers and environmental groups have warned that these practices disrupt the ecosystem and promote the illegal meat trade.
Legal framework and sanctions
Penalties for poaching in Chubut include:
- Economic fines applied by the Directorate of Flora and Fauna, calculated in modules according to Law XI No. 10.
- Confiscation of equipment: weapons, cartridges, knives, meat, and vehicles used.
- Imprisonment: up to 2 years according to National Law 22.421 on wildlife protection.
- Organized networks: the penalty can be increased to 5 years, adding charges for illicit association and illegal possession of weapons.
Intensification of controls
The Ministry of Security of Chubut announced that it will strengthen controls on access routes to discourage the illegal meat trade. These operations aim to protect wildlife and ensure the food safety of the population.
Where to report?
To report cases of illegal hunting or suspicious activities:
- Chubut Police: emergency services or Rural Security Division.
- Public Prosecutor’s Office: local prosecutors authorized for criminal complaints.
The operation in Gaiman exposes the magnitude of the poaching problem in Patagonia.
The arrest of three hunters with a ton of illegal meat and an arsenal of weapons highlights the need to reinforce controls, apply exemplary sanctions, and promote the conservation of emblematic species such as the guanaco and the rhea.
