An operation to combat environmental crimes was launched on Wednesday morning (28) by the Special Task Force to Combat Criminal Organizations (Gaeco). The action took place in three Brazilian states, aiming to combat and dismantle a criminal organization responsible for illegal trade and mistreatment of wild and exotic animals.
The investigation that uncovered the criminal scheme was conducted by the 21st Public Prosecutor’s Office of Joinville, in Santa Catarina. Based on the inspection carried out by the Santa Catarina Environmental Military Police, it was discovered that wild animals of various species were being sent from the state of São Paulo to Santa Catarina and Paraná, to be illegally traded.
During the operation, authorities identified mistreatment and deaths of several animals, due to the poor storage, transportation and care conditions.
Gaeco had the support of the Environmental Military Police of Santa Catarina, the Environmental Military Police of São Paulo and the Civil Police of Paraná, through the Environmental Protection Department of Curitiba.
There is no information about prisoners and the number of animals rescued, as the investigation is confidential.
Operation name
The operation was dubbed ‘Operation Axolotl’. The axolotl is an amphibian endemic to the lakes of Mexico and was one of the species trafficked by the targets of the operation. Considered a “cute” animal, it also has the unique ability to regenerate limbs and even parts of the brain, symbolizing the resilience and renewal aimed at by the police action.
Because of pollution, habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species into their natural environment – ​​all human causes, the axolotl is a critically endangered species.
This content was originally published in Operation combats trafficking and mistreatment of wild animals in three states on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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