Sixteen people were charged and numerous wild animals were seized in connection with “Operation Junglebook” — the largest wildlife trafficking sweep in Southern California history, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Tiger recovered during Operation Jungle Book in the Los Angeles area. (Credit: USFWS)
The 4-month long investigation and sweep yielded at least two tiger cubs, king cobras, coral, a hyacinth macaw, turtles, a radiated tortoise, Asian fish and songbirds, a monitor lizard and other reptiles in the Los Angeles area, authorities said.
Some of the animals were smuggled illegally into the U.S. at Los International Airport while others were trafficked from other states into California.
A few of the animals were retrieved at the border by patrol officers, according to authorities.
Box turtles recovered during Operation Jungle Book in the Los Angeles area. (Credit: USFWS)
“A live tiger that was illegally trafficked from Indiana into California and live cobras smuggled from Hong Kong in potato chip cans,” said Erin Dean, resident agent in charge at the Wildlife Service.
The volume and variety of animals seized lead to the “Junglebook” operation name, officials added.
At least 16 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the wildlife trafficking, according to the Department of Justice.
Some of the defendants were charged as individuals while others were charged as businesses or companies, authorities added.
from KTLA http://ift.tt/2yEdOr2
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