A major wildlife trafficking ring has been dismantled in Yucatán, Mexico, with three individuals arrested and 22 endangered animals seized.
According to the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the suspects were charged with crimes against biodiversity, including the transportation of several species. The FGR bulletin indicates that officers from the Yucatán Public Security Secretariat (SSP) made the defendants available to the agency, and 22 animals were seized.
Among the seized animals are one spider monkey, an endangered species; 11 white-fronted parrots, a species subject to special protection; eight blue-crowned parrots, considered endangered; two yellow-cheeked parrots, a threatened species; and other unidentified birds.
The suspects also had cartridges for the exclusive use of the Armed Forces. The detainees were ordered to report periodically as a precautionary measure, and a four-month period was set for further investigation.
This incident is just one example of the growing problem of wildlife trafficking in Mexico. According to Profepa (National Profepa), illegal wildlife trafficking ranks fourth in illicit trade, with the trafficking chain representing a severe threat to the richness of Mexican ecosystems.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) indicates that illegal trafficking is the second cause of loss of flora and fauna on the planet, with a significant global impact. The seized animals will be handed over to authorized institutions for their care and rehabilitation.
This operation highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and conservation organizations in protecting endangered species and combating wildlife trafficking.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
