SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and state wildlife officials announced Friday that law enforcement has broken up several major wildlife trafficking networks, including an operation with international reach.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked together to target illegal markets, combat global poaching, and protect endangered species.
Fresno Investigation
The Fresno investigation began after authorities stopped a mislabeled package from Thailand. Investigators found the shipment, which was headed to Fresno, contained the severed trunks of four protected Asian elephants.
Following that discovery, CDFW officers in Fresno seized a large collection of illegal goods this month. Authorities said the haul included ivory, rhino horns, and suspected bear gall bladders taken from endangered and poached animals. Bear gall bladders are often illegally sold for use in traditional medicine.
Madera County Operation
In a separate case, wildlife officers shut down an illegal rooster-fighting ring in Madera County. During that investigation, officers found an illegal gun silencer and parts from protected kestrel falcons.
Police booked three suspects from the Madera County investigation into Fresno County Jail for allegedly breaking state wildlife laws.
A Decade of Enforcement
The announcement comes as California marks 10 years since passing AB 96, a law that banned the sale of ivory within the state. Officials noted that the recent investigations are part of a larger effort to stop global poaching and protect wildlife.
The CDFW continues to encourage the public to report wildlife poaching or trafficking. You can share information anonymously through the CalTIP program by calling (888) 334-CALTIP or by texting TIP411 (847411).
