clickorlando.com - Eight people were arrested Thursday, accused of taking part in an illegal venomous snake trafficking ring in Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The agency said it began investigating a black market in 2020 that dealt in illegal and highly dangerous venomous reptiles in Florida. If the animals were to escape, they could have a severe impact on Florida’s native wildlife.
“Some of these snakes are among the most dangerous in the world,” FWC Maj. Randy Bowlin said. “Florida’s rules and laws are in place to protect the public and prevent tragedies from occurring.”
Investigators said they discovered that some of those involved in the trade were importing large shipments of nonnative venomous snakes from countries around the world. Undercover officers arranged in-person meet-ups for these black-market deals, allowing law enforcement agents were able to capture violator.
“Some of the individuals apprehended by this operation are established dealers of snakes,” FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said. “Our law enforcement officers will continue to hold accountable those who disregard the rules, which protect our natural resources of the state.”
Black-market dealers often launder illegally procured snakes through a properly permitted facility to sell the animals without providing information on their real place of origin.
“During the investigation, officers saw and heard disturbing evidence of widespread illegal activity, not the least of which were individuals who indicated that they were releasing or planning to release prohibited reptiles into nearby native habitat to establish a readily accessible wild breeding population,” Investigations Section Capt. Van Burrow said.
Wildlife trafficking ranks fourth behind drugs, weapons and humans in global black market dealings, FWC officials stated. The Wildlife Conservation Society estimates illicit wildlife trafficking brings in between $7.8 billion and $10 billion per year.
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"Wildlife trafficking ranks fourth behind drugs, weapons and humans in global black market dealings".
ReplyDeleteAre you sure that buying off Congress is not on top of that list?
These Wonderdummies are a special kind of Stoopid, aren't they?!
ReplyDelete