Thousands Of Smuggled birds, Primates And Big Cats Seized In … – Forbes
As part of its annual “Operation Thunder” crackdown on wildlife trafficking the World Customs Institution arrested more than 500 people and made more than 2,000 seizures of animals and plants.
URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2023/12/12/thousands-of-smuggled-birds-primates-and-big-cats-seized-in-worldwide-trafficking-crackdown/
Global crackdown on illegal wildlife and timber trade: the World …thunder 2022 operation gave the possibility to law enforcement agencies to strengthen their cooperation practices, sharing wildlife and timber trafficking intelligence both ahead and during the operation, so field officers like Customs and Police could prepare targeted operations for identifying, stopping, and investigating cases of wildlife crime (Photo: Courtesy of UK Border Force).
URL: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2022/december/global-crackdown-on-illegal-wildlife-and-timber-trade.aspx
Tiger cubs to songbirds: Huge global wildlife trafficking crackdown…
nearly 20,000 live animals – all endangered or protected species – have been seized in a global operation targeting wildlife and forestry trafficking networks. Known as Operation Thunder 2024, it …
URL: https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/04/tiger-cubs-to-songbirds-huge-global-wildlife-trafficking-crackdown
Nearly 20,000 live animals seized in wildlife trafficking crackdown
Euronews
Crackdown on illegal wildlife products at the border
GOV.UK
Nearly 20,000 live animals seized, 365 suspects arrested in largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation
Interpol
Operation Thunder 2024: crackdown on Illegal Wildlife Products at the Border
Table of Contents
In a groundbreaking global effort, Operation Thunder 2024 has resulted in the seizure of nearly 20,000 live animals and the arrest of 365 suspects.This initiative marks the largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation, coordinated by Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies. The aim is to combat the illegal trafficking of endangered and protected species, including big cats, primates, and songbirds.
Global Coordination and Operations
Business Today editor: -array българги;”>How was the coordination among different law enforcement agencies across the globe achieved in Operation Thunder 2024?
Dr. Amelia Hart, Wildlife Conservation Expert: Effective global coordination is crucial for successful wildlife trafficking crackdowns. Operation Thunder 2024 utilized a coordinated effort led by Interpol, in collaboration with customs authorities, wildlife agencies, and non-governmental organizations worldwide. This collaboration allowed the sharing of intelligence and best practices, which strengthened the response to wildlife and forestry trafficking.
Business Today Editor: Can you elaborate on the scale and reach of this global operation?
Dr. Hart: The operation was noteworthy due to its simultaneous implementation in numerous countries. Customs and Border Protection agencies intensely scanned border crossings, sea ports, and airports to confiscate smuggled wildlife. This multi-faceted approach ensured that suspects couldn’t evade arrest or seize animals easily.
Seizures and Suspects Arrested
Business Today Editor: What types of animals were primarily seized in this operation?
dr. Hart: The animals seized include a wide range of endangered and protected species, such as big cats, primates, songbirds, and other vertebrate wildlife. These animals were often destined for the illegal pet trade, traditional medicine, or illicit wildlife markets.
Business Today editor: How effective was Operation Thunder 2024 in terms of the number of arrests made?
Dr. Hart: Operation Thunder 2024 led to the arrest of 365 suspects, which is substantial. Though,the real impact goes beyond just the numbers. The operation has disrupted trafficking networks,created a deterrent effect,and collected substantial evidence for further prosecutions.
Consequences and Future Outlook
Business Today Editor: What are the potential legal and regulatory consequences for those arrested during this operation?
Dr. Hart: Those arrested face severe penalties under international and local wildlife protection laws. This can include substantial fines and lengthy imprisonment. Laws like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Fauna and flora) play a crucial role in these prosecutions.
Business Today Editor: What are the future directions for tackling wildlife trafficking based on this operation’s success?
Dr. Hart: The success of Operation Thunder 2024 highlights the importance of continued international cooperation. Future efforts will probably focus on enhancing cybersecurity measures to counter online wildlife trafficking, improving data collection, and fostering public awareness campaigns to combat demand.esser.
Conclusion
Dr. Hart: Operation Thunder 2024 serves as a critical milestone in the global fight against wildlife trafficking. It not only highlights the coordinated efforts of international law enforcement but also sends a strong message to potential traffickers that their actions will not go unpunished.
Business Today Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hart,for these detailed insights into the largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation.
