U.K. border officials intercepted over 250 protected animals and contraband wildlife goods during a month-long enforcement effort targeting smugglers, The Guardian reported.
What's happening?
The crackdown, called Operation Thunder, is an annual initiative coordinated by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation.
The operation ran from Sept. 13 to Oct. 15, with authorities searching airports, seaports, and mail facilities nationwide.
Officers found two rainbow boa constrictors tucked under coverings inside a vehicle. The driver had purchased them from a reptile expo in Germany without obtaining proper permits.
A separate car contained more than 2,000 tarantulas valued at roughly 70,000 British pounds ($93,849). About 300 of those spiders belonged to a protected species.
A third vehicle held over 100 birds, among them green-cheeked conures and lovebirds. The animals were housed in cramped, squalid conditions, and several had already died.
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Officials also confiscated king cobra balm, a bottle containing a tiger claw, ivory carvings, and shark meat.
"We won't stop until we've broken this business model. Anyone attempting to bring illegal wildlife products into the U.K. — by air, sea, or post — will be searched and prosecuted," said Home Office minister Mike Tapp.
Why is wildlife smuggling concerning?
Trading protected animals ranks as the fourth-largest criminal enterprise on the planet, trailing only weapons, narcotics, and human trafficking.
When smugglers remove animals from their native habitats, they disrupt food chains and destabilize ecosystems. Species already under pressure face an even greater risk of extinction.
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The suffering inflicted on trafficked animals is severe. Many die during transport due to poor conditions.
What's being done about wildlife smuggling?
International law enforcement agencies continue coordinating operations like Thunder to intercept contraband and dismantle trafficking rings.
Authorities are also developing AI-powered tools to predict and prevent smuggling attempts.
You can help by researching any exotic pet thoroughly before purchasing to confirm it was bred legally.
When traveling abroad, avoid buying souvenirs made from animal parts, shells, or plants you cannot identify. If something seems suspicious at a market or online, it probably is.
Reporting suspected wildlife crime to authorities helps investigators track and stop these networks.
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