The **Federal Court of Gualeguaychú** prosecuted **three men** involved in the **illegal trafficking of birds**, who were attempting to cross into Uruguay with a shipment of **95 [yellow cardinals](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/recuperan-la-libertad-en-la-pampa-cardenales-amarillos-y-tortugas-terrestres/)** and 22 Bolivian blackbirds.
The operation took place on **October 13, 2023**, when officers from the **Argentine Naval Prefecture** intercepted a **boat and a van** in the area of the **Las Palmitas stream**, in the **Ibicuy department**.
## How did the illegal bird trafficking network operate
During the procedure, it was discovered that the birds, mainly from **San Luis**, were to be **transported to Uruguay**, where they would then be sent to **Europe through the Carrasco airport**, considered a less controlled point.
The analysis of the detainees’ cell phones revealed:
– **Conversations about the sale of cardinals, Amazon parrots, and goldfinches**.
– **Shipments by trucks** from provinces such as **Tucumán, Santiago del Estero, Misiones, and Corrientes**.
– **Negotiations in dollars** regarding exotic species like **howler monkeys, brush-tailed titis, and macaws**.
## Investigation and judicial prosecution
The prosecutor **Pedro Rebollo** requested the prosecution of the accused, which was **ordered by Judge Hernán Viri** last Friday.
The accused are:
– **Two men from Entre Ríos aged 34 and 35**.
– **A 41-year-old man from Buenos Aires, originally from Morón**, who was driving the van.
## Aggravated smuggling offense
The accused were charged with **”Aggravated smuggling”** because:
– The operation involved several people.
– It took place at unauthorized times and locations.
– It involved species prohibited for commercialization.
Additionally, the judge ordered a **$100,000 asset freeze for each**.
## Protection of rescued birds
Following the seizure, the **yellow cardinals and Bolivian blackbirds** were handed over to the **General Directorate of Inspection of Entre Ríos** and transferred to the **[Wildlife Life Park “Parque Pericos”](https://www.instagram.com/p/DI2Sg2_taOo/)**, in the **Uruguay department**.
This procedure sets a **precedent in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking**, aiming to **preserve vulnerable species** and dismantle [smuggling networks](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/incremento-alarmante-en-el-contrabando-de-iguanas-de-las-galapagos/).
