MAJOR WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING BUST IN CALIFORNIA

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has intercepted hundreds of illegally poached animal parts in Fresno County. Shipped falsely from Thailand, the packages contained:

·         Asian elephant trunks

·         Rhino horns

·         Saiga antelope parts

·         Walrus tusks

·         Suspected bear gallbladders & turtle shells

The Impact: Three suspects have been arrested and face wildlife trafficking charges. Officers also shut down an illegal rooster-fighting ring in Madera County during the investigation, seizing illegal falcon derivatives and an unlawful gun silencer.

"The international illegal market for these products encourages poaching and threatens global biodiversity — California wants no part of it." — Gov. Gavin Newsom

California is a major hub for international trade, making this a massive win for global conservation and the fight against illicit wildlife markets.