I have already referred in this newspaper to the gigantic trafficking of wild species in the world. I remembered two things in that note.
First, the severity of the problem. An elephant is killed every 15 minutes for its ivory. Every day, two rhinos; for his horn. Organized criminal groups against wildlife operate on such an “industrial” and massive scale that particularly endangered species – such as elephants or rhinos – should be under armed surveillance 24 hours a day.
Second, there is a clear international law framework that should serve as a deterrent, particularly the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, adopted in November 2000, which establishes clear obligations of international judicial and police cooperation between States.
The fact, however, is that for years hunting and trafficking continued unpunished. However, they highlight improvements in cooperation between States and the decisive role that some civil society organizations have been playing in enforcing international legality. I particularly highlighted the international organization Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), or Wildlife Justice Commission. And I mentioned important cases in which this articulation between international legality and the WJC has given good results, in the midst of the gloom that surrounds this difficult issue.
Thailand: major operations underway
In a major blow to the illegal trade in pets and protected animals, Thai police, acting on information provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission, carried out, on May 1, an important operation that resulted in the arrest of six suspects. And, with this, the seizure of no less than 1,076 radiated tortoises and 48 lemurs, animals that were hidden in 41 boxes and 11 cages, respectively. They were transported in a convoy of four vehicles in Chumphon province, southern Thailand. In addition, another 179 radiated tortoises, 30 primates and three young crocodiles were seized following the search of a farm linked to the suspects.
This seizure, valued at more than two million dollars on the black market, highlights the seriousness of the impact of wildlife trafficking on threatened species. Radiated tortoises and all species of lemurs are included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, meaning that trade in specimens of these species is only permitted in very exceptional circumstances. Both are native to Madagascar and are highly valued in the global market for the illegal pet trade.
The trade in live pets, like these seized in Thailand, is a growing multibillion-dollar industry fueled by growing demand for rare species. Since 2016, the Wildlife Justice Commission has been at the forefront of the fight against illegal trade. Working in cooperation with law enforcement authorities, he has disrupted trafficking networks in Asia and the Middle East. And now, with this latest case, he has helped rescue more than 10,000 live animals, including tortoises and tortoises, big cats, orangutans and chimpanzees.
Good examples for the world
The recent arrests are part of an ongoing joint investigation by Thai law enforcement. An example for other countries in the world, since this joint articulation—essential for effectiveness—accounts for the effective level of involvement of the Thai authorities in the obligations of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
Which in this case affected vital spaces such as the Department of Special Investigations, the Department of National Parks, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police, the Royal Thai Customs and the Attorney General’s Office, together with international partners such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission.
The investigation, in this case, as is usually the case when it comes to international crimes and sophisticated criminal networks, was not at all simple, as it focused on the dismantling of an organized transnational wildlife trafficking network. Network that operates in Thailand and whose links are immense, extending throughout Africa, Asia and South America. This network specializes in the illegal trade of testudines (a “coveted” species of turtle), reptiles and small mammals for the illegal international live pet trade.
A great example of how international law and international organizations can be efficient and effective.
Good EXPECTATIVES
Spectacular arrests such as these, coupled with the economic losses resulting from seizure, should have a deeply disruptive impact on the ability of illegal networks to continue their trafficking activities.
Good example to follow in other countries affected by trafficking in protected species, as it indicates that spectacular achievements like these are possible, that international law is not a “dead letter” and that it can be effective in serving the purposes for which it has been created. been conceived.
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