Border Force Discovers Bizarre Confiscations in MonthLong Wildlife Operation

Last November, UK officers joined a global wildlife operation. Border Force staff probably weren’t ready for it. They seized tons of items in under a month. They found health, beauty, and fashion products. Dead and alive creatures also turned up.

It all happened during Operation Thunder 24, led by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation. Illegal wildlife dealing earns £17 billion yearly, making wildlife crime fourth after drugs and arms, and even bigger than human trafficking.

Officers seized over 400 live birds, including rosellas, king parrots, and African greys. Blue-fronted Amazon parrots joined the group too. The Home Office plans to rehome any live animals rescued.

They found seven kilograms of ivory. Officers also seized 450 live plants. Plus, over 2,500 pills held protected species. Snow leopard fur clothes turned up; these leopards are a vulnerable species. They also seized 315kg of caviar beauty products.

Danny Hewitt works for Border Force. He said wildlife crime causes corruption, can lead to species extinction, hurts poor communities’ jobs, and degrades ecosystems.

Hewitt stated they use intelligence to find illegal trade. Border Force shares training to combat these crimes and works with global partners. Minister Mary Creagh wants justice for these crimes.

Creagh said Border Force protects wildlife well. She also noted the value of global teamwork, stating they are stopping criminal groups together.