Officials at Los Angeles International Airport say thousands of illegal wildlife contraband have been seized by inspectors since October, with some taking items such as turtle skulls, kangaroo meat and elephant toenails.
US Customs and Border Protection
“Since the beginning of fiscal year 2024 – October 1, 2023 – to date, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials and agriculture specialists… working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials, have apprehended 4,227 animal and plant products for violating wildlife laws and regulations and international treaties on endangered species,” Jaime Ruiz of US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.
Among the items seized are crocodile skulls, jerky, belts, wallets, stuffed baby crocodiles, turtle skulls, skinsk, kangaroo meat, elephant tails, ears, toenails, exotic butterflies, peacock feathers, sea shells, coral, sea cucumbers, shark cartilage and sea lion oil gel capsules.
US Customs and Border Protection
Ruiz says the seized products arrived in individual packages via airmail from Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, China, Thailand, Mexico, Peru and the United Kingdom. They were all addressed to different addresses in the United States.
“There are many wild animals and plant products for sale around the world,” says Ruiz. “As an international traveler, you can support conservation worldwide by asking questions and getting the facts before purchasing a wildlife product. Just because you find something for sale does not mean it is legal to import. “
US Customs and Border Protection
He noted that some products may have animals or plants taken illegally, while others may require a permit before being returned to the US.
“The illegal wildlife trade is one of the most profitable natural resource crimes,” said Andrew H. Douglas, CBP port director at LAX. “It involves the harvesting and sale of wildlife and wildlife products that can be used as medicine, fashion, food or pets sold to consumers.”
Permit information is available on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service permit website.
