Man Arrested in Mexico City for Attempting to Smuggle 299 Reptiles
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Gustavo “N”, a known international wildlife trafficker, was apprehended at Mexico city International Airport while attempting to transport hundreds of reptiles to Japan illegally.
Mexican authorities have arrested a man at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) for attempting to illegally traffic 299 reptiles to Japan. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) announced the arrest of Gustavo “N” on Monday, May 19, following a joint operation.
According to Profepa, Gustavo “N” lacked the necessary documentation to prove the legal origin of the reptiles or authorization from the Ministry of Environment and Natural resources (Semarnat) to export them. The reptiles, comprising various protected species, were seized, and Gustavo “N” was handed over to the Public Ministry of the Federation.
Trained personnel evaluated the seized reptiles, finding many in critical condition due to malnutrition and dehydration caused by the unsafe transport conditions. The reptiles are now receiving medical care at a Coordinated care Center under the protection of semarnat.
Known Trafficker with a History of Wildlife Crimes
Profepa’s statement identified the arrested individual as a well-known international trafficker with a history of similar offenses. He was previously arrested in the Galapagos Islands, ecuador, for attempting to illegally export marine and land iguanas. He also faced arrest in New Zealand for attempting to export endangered endemic species illegally.
“This operation represents a ‘hard blow’ to trade and illicit extraction of fauna protected by national and international laws.”
Gustavo “N” now faces an investigation for crimes related to the capture, possession, transport, collection, import, or export of wildlife specimens for trafficking purposes. If convicted, he could face imprisonment for one to nine years and fines ranging from 300 to 3,000 days.
The operation involved multiple agencies, including Profepa, the Secretariat of the navy (Semar), the Ministry of Security and citizen Protection (SSPC), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) thru the Special prosecutor’s office in the Matter of Organized Crime (FEMDO), and the International Airport of Mexico City (AICM).
Mariana Boy, the federal attorney of the environment, emphasized that this arrest is a notable setback for the illegal wildlife trade.
frequently Asked Questions
- What is wildlife trafficking?
- Wildlife trafficking involves the illegal trade of wild animals and plants, driven by demand for various products and uses. WWF UNODC
- What are the penalties for wildlife trafficking in Mexico?
- Penalties can include imprisonment for one to nine years and fines ranging from 300 to 3,000 days. Profepa
- Which agencies are involved in combating wildlife trafficking in Mexico?
- Agencies include Profepa, Semar, SSPC, FGR, and AICM. Profepa
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