Officials make startling discovery after raiding storage facility: 'Significant'

South African officials seized a significant amount of wildlife contraband from a transnational smuggling operation.

What happened?

The Border Management Authority, South African Revenue Service, and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation raided a storage facility in Kempton Park and found "17 rhino horns and more than 26 kilograms [57 pounds] of lion and tiger bones, skulls, and claws," according to Independent Online.

Authorities called it a "major breakthrough … that resulted in the seizure of a significant consignment of rhino horns and lion/tiger parts destined for the South East Asian illegal market," per IOL. 

They believe the items came from a large smuggling ring; the intended recipients — two people from Nigeria — were subsequently arrested. 

Why is the wildlife trade concerning?

Unfortunately, animal trafficking is common, and it's extremely profitable. The illegal wildlife trade is worth "between $7 and $23 billion per year, making wildlife crime one of the most lucrative illegal businesses," according to the Global Environment Facility.

Animals are usually trafficked for their parts: scales, fins, meat, horns, skins, and furs. Some, including tigers, parrots, and snakes, are trafficked alive as status symbols. Regardless of the reason, animal trafficking results in the exploitation, harm, and death of animals. 

Repeated trafficking of a species can push it toward endangerment or extinction and also heavily disturbs the ecosystem it was taken from — or, at times, introduced to, contributing to global economic losses linked to invasive species that have exceeded $1 trillion over a 50-year span.

What's being done to prevent wildlife trafficking?

Raids such as this one can help put smugglers behind bars, but it's especially important to prevent trafficking in the first place. Disincentivizing the trade with harsh penalties, such as high fines and significant jail time, can deter criminals from taking up the illegal business. 

Animal protection organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund, are constantly developing new ways to protect wildlife and prevent smuggling. If you want to support such efforts, consider donating money to causes you believe in.

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