In what was a worldwide mega-operation, called “Thunder 2024,” against animal trafficking, they rescued almost 20,000 live specimens. 365 people were arrested.
All of them belong to threatened or protected species. This operation involved police officers, border agents, and specialized in the protection of wildlife and flora from 138 countries and regions.
It was coordinated by Interpol and the World Customs Organization (WCO). The agents identified six transnational criminal networks suspected of trafficking in animals and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Against animal trafficking: rescued specimens
Among the live animals seized were 12,427 birds, 5,877 turtles, 1,731 reptiles, 33 primates, 18 big cats, and 12 pangolins.
Among the most significant discoveries, as reported by Euronews, are 6,500 singing birds discovered in Turkey during the inspection of a vehicle at the Syrian border and 5,193 red-eared turtles.
They were hidden in passengers’ suitcases from Malaysia at the Chennai International Airport in India.
Many of these species are used to satisfy demands specific to the market, such as food, alleged medical benefits, luxury items, or the pet trade.
“Biodiversity loss and far-reaching consequences”
International trafficking networks. (Photo: Interpol).[/caption>
“Organized crime networks are benefiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to feed human greed,” said Valdecy Urquiza, Interpol’s Secretary-General.
“This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to climate change, and even fuels conflicts and instability,” he enumerated.
How the investigation continues
Wildlife forensic experts collected DNA samples beforehand before the animals were transported to conservation centers. This DNA is crucial for prosecuting suspects, but it also sheds light on new trafficking routes.
Along with the live animals, thousands of parts of protected animals and fauna were also seized, such as trees, plants, marine life, and arthropods.
Wood is the raw material with the highest volume of seizures, with 241.9 tons found mainly in shipments in maritime containers.
Most of the other seizures took place at airports and in post offices or private shipping companies.
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