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More than 250 endangered species, including snakes and lovebirds, have been seized at the UK border in a single month, new data has revealed.
The action was part of an annual international operation to combat illegal wildlife trafficking called Operation Thunder, led by Interpol and the World Customs Organization to dismantle criminal trafficking networks.
In just one month this year, Border Force officials simultaneously seized more than 2,000 live tarantulas, 302 of which were protected endangered species. The cost of these creatures, which came from Europe, was estimated at £70,000.
There were two seizures of tarantulas last year, with a total of 536 spiders, and 61 individuals were found in 2023. Before 2023, there was almost no tarantula trafficking in the country.
border force officials say smuggling Of spiders It has increased rapidly in the country since 2023, and experts say it is Driven by the rise in online marketplaces and social media influencersWho have made keeping exotic pets fashionable.
adult tarantula Can sell for up to £500 depending on the species. A UK website is selling a rare Argentine spider for £450, while others are priced at up to £120.
Trafficked spiders have a high mortality rate due to inadequate packaging, lack of ventilation, and inappropriate temperature control during travel.
Border Force says that to avoid detection, clandestine traders and hobbyists often use false paperwork, mislabel shipments and hide spiders in luggage.
The tarantulas were among hundreds of endangered species and illegal wildlife products found by officers being smuggled into Britain at airports, ports and postal centres.
Authorities also discovered more than 100 endangered birds, including scarlet ibis, green-cheeked conure and lovebirds, crammed into a car. Some had died and the rest were in unsanitary conditions, leading to fears of the spread of disease.
Two rainbow boa constrictors covered under a blanket in a car in Dover. The driver had purchased them at a German reptile show without a license.
The seizures from mid-September to mid-October, which were part of an annual international crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, saw a 73 percent increase compared to the previous year.
wildlife crime Globally it is worth up to £17 billion per year, making it the fourth largest international crime after firearms, drugs and human trafficking.
An elephant hair ring from the United States, king cobra balm from Thailand and a blacktip shark jaw from Australia were also seized by authorities and blocked from reaching the black market.
Where sellers could not provide paperwork, authorities seized items including shark and crocodile meat, ivory carvings and a tiger claw bottle.
The items intercepted are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (citation).
wildlife trafficking Conservationists warn that this poses significant risks to animal welfare, biosecurity and conservation and undermines legitimate breeders.
Home Office minister Mike Tapp said: “Wildlife trafficking is serious organized crime. It fuels corruption, drives species to extinction and undermines our border security.”
He said the seizures had cut off a major source of funding for dangerous gangs.
Environment Minister Mary Craig said: ‘By tackling wildlife crime we are sending a clear message to criminal gangs that this Government will do everything possible to bring those involved to justice.’
The Home Office says seized live animals are handed over to accredited zoos and conservation organisations.