Calif. investigation uncovers underground market for endangered wildlife parts

"California wildlife officials announced they have dismantled a large underground wildlife trafficking operation in Fresno and Madera counties, after federal agents intercepted a falsely labeled international shipment, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said Friday. The investigation began after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intercepted a shipment bound for Fresno. It was from Thailand and falsely labeled, containing four elephant trunks."

"California Fish and Wildlife officers executed simultaneous search warrants on Jan. 7 at multiple locations in Fresno and Madera counties. "We uncovered one shipment, and then we hit the first commercial facility with a warrant and uncovered an underground market with multiple stores within it," Smith said. "We continued our investigation, while also serving additional warrants on the residences of some involved employees and uncovered additional wildlife parts.""

"Smith said 40 officers served three warrants concurrently, describing the operation as a coordinated enforcement action rather than a single seizure. The investigation remains ongoing, but Smith said investigators are now charging seven suspects, who face multiple misdemeanor counts and, in some cases, felony charges under the California Fish and Game Code. Charging decisions will be handled by the Fresno County and Madera County district attorneys' offices."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intercepted an improperly labeled international shipment from Thailand bound for Fresno that contained four elephant trunks. California Fish and Wildlife officers then led an in-state probe and executed simultaneous search warrants on Jan. 7 at multiple Fresno and Madera County locations. Investigators uncovered an underground commercial market with multiple stores and seized additional wildlife parts. Forty officers served three warrants concurrently. Seven suspects face multiple misdemeanor counts and, in some cases, felony charges under the California Fish and Game Code. Five Fresno County suspects face charges for wildlife commercialization and illegal importation, with charging decisions by local district attorneys.

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