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Source: ONE News
New Zealand Customs and other agencies made several seizures of traditional medicines containing products from endangered animals, as part of an international operation targeting the illegal trade.
The Interpol exercise in February resulted in the seizure globally of more than $19.89 million worth of illegal medicines, some containing ingredients derived from animals such as tigers, bears and rhinoceros.
In New Zealand, the month-long operation involved Customs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Conservation among other authorities.
"Several vessels were searched by Customs and a number of search warrants and inspections were executed by MAF, DOC, NZFSA (NZ Food Safety Authority) and Customs officers," said Ann Panoho from Wildlife Enforcement Group.
There were no arrests locally.
The operation targeted the passenger terminals in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as the International Mail Centre, express freight and cargo.
Operation TRAM involved 18 countries, with the primary goal to fight the illegal trade in endangered wildlife threatening global biodiversity.
"While the law enforcement community recognises the important cultural, historical and religious values of traditional medicines, the increased use of endangered species in their ingredients will no longer be tolerated as it places extreme pressure on their very survival and existence," said Chief Constable Richard Crompton, the Association of Chief Police Officers' leader for the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit.
Investigations are continuing, and results of the operation will be released in the future.
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