Interpol seizes 30,000 animals and warns of growing demand for exotic animals

A record quantity of illegally traded bushmeat has been seized, along with insects, plants and wood. Interpol identified around 1,100 suspects and arrested 24 people in South Africa, two in Vietnam and one in Qatar. He did not provide further details on the arrests.

“Operation Thunder once again reveals the sophistication and scale of the criminal networks that drive the illegal wildlife trade and forestry; networks increasingly linked to all areas of crime, from drug trafficking to human exploitation,” Interpol said.

Authorities around the world have seized a record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat and seen an increase in trafficking cases. from Africa to Europe.

Kenyan authorities seized more than 400 kg (881.85 pounds) of giraffe meat, while Tanzanian law enforcement recovered zebra and antelope meat and skins worth around $10,000. During this time, authorities seized approximately 10,500 butterflies, spiders and insects during the operation from September 15 to October 15, indicating a sharp increase in the trafficking of exotic arthropods.

“Although they are tiny, these animals perform vital ecological functions. Their extraction destabilizes food chains and introduces invasive species or diseases, posing serious risks to the environment. biosecurity and public health“Declared Interpol.

The annual value of wildlife crime is estimated andn 20 billion dollars, but the real figure is probably much higher.

This year, most wildlife trafficking has focused on animal remains, parts and products, often intended for traditional medicine or food, Interpol said. However, seizures of live animals reached a record, mainly due to demand for exotic pets, such as birds, turtles, reptiles and primates, he added.

The operation was coordinated by Interpol and the World Customs Organization.