138 Countries and Regions Unite to Combat Wildlife and Forestry Trafficking Worldwide

In a coordinated effort to combat the illegal trade of protected species, nearly 20,000 endangered or protected animals were seized during Operation Thunder 2024, a global initiative involving 138 countries and regions.

The operation, conducted from November 11 to December 6, was a joint effort by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO). It marked the most extensive participation since its inception in 2017.

Operation Thunder 2024 Results

The operation led to the rescue of various species, including big cats, birds, pangolins, primates, and reptiles. One notable rescue was 18 big cats, including tiger cubs in the Czech Republic.

Also seized were 100 companies involved in the illegal trade of protected species and more than 5,877 live turtles in Tanzania.

Wildlife forensic experts collected DNA samples from the rescued animals, aiding in legal proceedings and providing insights into new trafficking routes.

Significant Targeted Seizures

Operation Thunder 2024 also resulted in the seizure of various timber, marine life, plants, and animal derivatives. Notable seizures included:

• Indonesia: 134 tonnes of timber destined for Asia.
• Kenya: 41 tonnes of exotic timber destined for Asia.
• Nigeria: 4,472 kg of pangolin scales.
• Türkiye: 6,500 live songbirds found during a border inspection.
• India: 5,193 live red-eared slider turtles found in passenger suitcases at Chennai Airport.
• Peru: 3,700 protected plants en route from Ecuador.
• Qatar: Eight rhino horns in a suspect’s luggage.
• United States: One tonne of sea cucumbers smuggling from Nicaragua.
• Hong Kong, China: 973 kg of dried shark fins from Morocco.
• Czech Republic: Eight tiger cubs found in a suspected illegal breeding facility.
• Indonesia: 846 pieces of reticulated python skin from a ship.
• More than 300 firearms, vehicles, and poaching equipment.

The Role of Forensic Science in Wildlife Seizures

Forensic DNA analysis was crucial in confirming the species and origin of the seized animals, helping to identify new trafficking routes and trends.

Addressing the Illegal Wildlife Trade

The illegal wildlife trade is a significant environmental crime fueling biodiversity loss and contributing to climate change. Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of organized crime networks exploiting nature for profit.

“Organized crime networks are profiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to fuel human greed. This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to climate change and even fuels conflict and instability.”

Collaboration Between INTERPOL and WCO

Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General, emphasized the importance of joint efforts in combating the illegal wildlife trade.

“Operation Thunder continues to shed light on a crime that is often not a priority for enforcement actors. Through our joint efforts we have established cooperation mechanisms that facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence, and we have refined our enforcement strategies.”

Building a Global Intelligence Picture

Regular operations such as Operation Thunder help investigators build a comprehensive global picture of wildlife and timber trafficking. This intelligence facilitates arrests and prosecutions, enabling customs administrations to stay ahead of criminals.

Further Action Needed

Despite the significant seizures, the illegal wildlife trade remains a major issue. Organized crime networks continue to exploit the demand for rare species, underscoring the need for ongoing international collaboration to protect wildlife and biodiversity.

Conclusion

Operation Thunder 2024 demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in the fight against wildlife trafficking. The collaboration between INTERPOL and the WCO highlighted the global nature of this crime and the effectiveness of joint efforts in reducing the illegal trade of protected species.

However, the continued efforts and dedication of law enforcement, conservationists, and the public are crucial in combating this destructive crime.

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INTERPOL’s Environment Crime team presenting the results of Operation THUNDER 2024 at the @CITES Standing Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. pic.twitter.com/vLoXrdymRP

— INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) February 4,2025

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