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Stop the illegal wildlife trade [image copyright Andy Fisher]

The illegal trade in wildlife is huge. Globally, it is estimated to be worth over £5 billion every year and is a major area of international crime. However, the illegal trade in endangered species does not just happen in other countries; it thrives in the UK too and Operation Charm is working to stop this trade in London.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford and other celebrities speak out against the illegal trade in endangered species. View their messages.

News and Events

Officers with the BBC film crew

Endangered species products seized in south London

On Monday 22nd June officers from the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit and Lewisham Police searched a Chinese medicine shop in Burnt Ash Road, South East London, and seized approximately 60 products believed to be made from endangered animals including musk deer, leopard and seahorse.

Fiona Fletcher-Smith and Richard Barnes with endangered species products seized by the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit

Charming volunteers

On Friday 5th June, Deputy Mayor for London, Richard Barnes and Director of Development and Environment, Fiona Fletcher-Smith spent the day working with the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit.

Sticker scheme

Operation Charm sticker

Due to the success of the original sticker scheme in 1995, Operation Charm has relaunched it. Traditional Chinese Medicine traders who agree with our messages will be able to show their support, and their commitment to trading lawfully, by giving a pledge that they do no sell products made from endangered species and displaying one of these stickers in their window.

Look around London for shops displaying the Operation Charm stickers.

The campaign is supported by The Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine and The London Chinatown Chinese Association. SRH

Partners

Metropolitan Police International Fund for Animal Welfare Active Conservation Awareness Program Mayor of London World Wildlife Fund David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

Animals in danger

Musk deer [image copyright WWF-Canon / Grigori Mazmanyants]

Musk deer - click to enlarge

Ricky Gervais

Photograph of a Tiger lying on its side [image copyright Andy Fisher]

'I find it incredible that any one would want to buy a product containing endangered animals. It's not just illegal, it's sick and perverse. And don't think you can ease your conscience with "It was already dead" or "It's old or second hand". To purchase such goods is perpetuating and endorsing the market in killing species. Report any activity you think is linked to such revolting business.'