INTERPOL recently announced the results of “Operation Thunder” 2024, a concerted effort to combat wildlife and forestry trafficking. This initiative, coordinated with the World Customs Organization (WCO), led to the seizure of almost 20,000 live animals and the arrest of 365 individuals worldwide. This was the largest global operation targeting environmental crimes to date, involving the participation of 138 nations and regions.
The operation underscores the commitment to protecting species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. This international agreement, formed after a WCO meeting, seeks to halt the multi-billion-dollar global wildlife trade fueled by trafficking activities. The illicit wildlife trade is valued at approximately USD 20 billion annually, prompting INTERPOL to devise innovative methods for combating these environmental crimes on a global scale.
Last year’s Operation Thunder marked a milestone with unprecedented involvement from 133 countries, leading to numerous seizures of endangered species. The 2024 edition of this initiative shifted focus, rescuing predominantly live animals across 2,213 seizure activities worldwide. The success of the campaign is attributed to the collaborative efforts of prominent organizations such as the EU, the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
INTERPOL’s strategic approach includes enhancing intelligence-sharing and tracking international suspects via Red Notices. According to Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General, despite the operation’s achievements, illegal wildlife trade continues to grow and requires steadfast international collaboration. INTERPOL’s wildlife forensic experts have also taken significant steps by collecting DNA samples before relocating animals to conservation sites, a measure aimed at mapping species’ origins and understanding emerging trafficking trends.
For further details, you can read the full report on JURIST.