Home / Crime and Justice / Tusk bust: Hundreds of illegal animal parts seized in California
Tusk bust: Hundreds of illegal animal parts seized in California
27 Jan
Summary
- Authorities seized hundreds of elephant tusks and rhino horns.
- Three suspects were arrested following a probe into a Thai shipment.
- This case is considered one of the largest wildlife trafficking incidents recently.
Three people were arrested in California following the seizure of hundreds of illegal animal parts from protected species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife initiated an investigation after intercepting a shipment from Thailand containing falsely labeled wildlife products. This shipment included four elephant trunks, determined to be from Asian elephants, a protected species.
Officers also confiscated numerous items made from ivory and elephant, alongside other poached animal products such as rhino horns, walrus tusks, and turtle shells. The three suspects have been booked into Fresno County Jail and face wildlife trafficking charges. This seizure is being hailed as one of the largest of its kind in recent years.
Separately, authorities in Madera County shut down an illegal rooster-fighting ring, uncovering illegal derivatives of protected kestrel falcons. These Madera County locations were connected to the Fresno operation, suggesting a broader network involved in illegal wildlife trade. Demand for these items stems from their perceived status in "high fashion" and traditional medicine, despite a lack of scientific evidence for medicinal benefits.
