JOC Staff | Nov 26, 2012 4:38PM EST
A customs maneuver called Operation HOPE, organized by the World Customs Organization, recently led to more than 70 major seizures of endangered flora and fauna, including live tortoises, rhino horns, ivory tusks and more, which are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The operation targeted air and maritime consignments, as well as passengers, in October, to identify illicit shipments of endangered wildlife and other species with the support of the CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL, the Lusaka Agreement Task Force and, in some countries, national CITES management authorities, wildlife enforcement agencies and the police.
The joint efforts of 41 customs administrations in Africa, Asia and Europe resulted in several arrests and the seizure of 2,100 items.
