 |
| courtesy: Interpol |
A cooperative sting operation in Africa netted the arrest of 400 suspects involved in wildlife crime and a large amount of contraband as well as intelligence about the operation of crime networks responsible for wildlife trafficking. Operation Cobra II involved investigators from 28 countries, UN organizations and Interpol. Using the World Customs Organizations secure computer network CENcomm, the participants coordinated their operational activities and shared intelligence. The operation seized 36 rhino horns, over three metric tons of elephant tusks, 10,000 turtles, 1,000 skins of protected animals, and 200 tons of rosewood logs. Of course it would be much better if the animals represented by these remains were still living. This partial success comes at a time when 46 nations came together in London at the invitation of Prince Charles and the government last week to combat world wildlife crime that is threatening the existence of many beloved species such as the elephant, tiger and rhino. Head of Interpol Mireille Ballestrazzi told the gathered national leaders that cooperation was absolutely essential to combat "trafficking activities fostered by expanding crime networks, profits and weak criminal sanctions". On a global basis the illegal ivory trade has more than doubled since 2007. Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be the fourth largest international crime in the world. Perhaps as many as 35,000 elephants were killed in 2012. For 2013 the shocking number is estimated to be 100 a day! Elephants will not survive this mass slaughter. For its part, the current administration announced earlier this month it will
ban the commercial trading of ivory in the United States. Anyone proposing to sell elephant ivory or rhino horn in the US must show that it is exempt from the ban. Antiques are exempt but they must have provenance of at least 100 years. The next step is to ban elephant trophy hunting. It is undeniable that most trophies are taken by rich western nimrods. Given the current onslaught by illegal hunters, legal hunting of elephants is simple unconscionable and in humane.
