News

Endangered Animal Parts for Sale in London

1 May 2002 / IFAW

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Wildlife Unit today seized traditional medicines containing illegal wild animal parts from a London business. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) applauded the discovery and seizure made by the officers, as part of its campaign to end the illegal trade of endangered species in the U.K. and worldwide.

Continuing on the successful work already carried out by the unit under Operation Charm, officers received information alleging the sale of medicinal products made from an endangered species. Assisted by colleagues from the borough, officers raided the premises and seized 25 packets of medicated bandages said to contain leopard bone.

Shibani Chopra, IFAW Endangered Species Campaigns Officer said, “IFAW is delighted to see the police taking such positive action against the illegal trade in endangered species here in the UK.

"The launch last week of the Government's National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit was an important step, but today's operation underlines yet again the immense value of law enforcement in tackling criminals who deal in our wildlife.”

Andy Fisher of the Wildlife Crime Unit said, “The result today reflects the unit's dedication and determination in stamping out this crime."

The deadly but thriving trade in illegal animal parts – second only to the illegal drugs trade – is now estimated by Interpol to be worth more than $6 billion annually, and involves the slaughter of highly endangered species, including leopards, which are used in traditional medicine. All species of leopard are protected internationally under Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Any commercial sale of their body parts is illegal.