Authorities frustrated the smuggling of at least 320 peacock turtle pups during an operation with security forces in central Mexico, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), an agency responsible for the restoration, preservation and protection of natural resources in the country reported Monday.
The species called Trachemys Venusta were irregularly transported on a passenger bus intercepted on the highway that Mexico-Puebla, as part of an operation to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
The confiscation, said a statement, was fulfilled on Saturday during a review at a road control point installed by Profepa personnel and the National Guard.
The Transportation Unit, from the southeast of the country, transported a box with the specimens without having valid documentation that would prove its legal origin.
The turtles, a native species of wet regions of southern Mexico and considered ecological importance due to their role in aquatic ecosystems, were transferred precautionaryly to a center for the conservation and research of wildlife (CIVS), where they already receive specialized attention.
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During the operation, which is part of a broader strategy against species traffic, 65 passenger buses, two cargo vehicles and a private car were inspected.
The units came from the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz, Oaxaca and Puebla, areas with high biodiversity and frequent points of illegal extraction.
“The Profepa will continue to perform random operations in different road points as part of its strategy to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking. We are committed to curbing this crime and protecting the wildlife populations from the enormous impact caused by illegal extraction,” said environmental attorney Mariana Boy Tamborrell, in statements released by the agency.
The assurance is part of a series of actions that seek to stop wildlife traffic, considered one of the most lucrative environmental crimes worldwide, only behind the traffic of weapons and drugs.
According to federal authorities, operations will continue to be carried out in different road corridors in the country, especially those that connect with high biodiversity regions, such as the Mexican southeast.
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In addition, it will seek to strengthen collaboration with other institutions to detect and sanction more effectively those who are dedicated to this illegal activity.
With EFE information
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