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In a news release, the international police organization called it the "biggest ever transnational wildlife crime operation in
Working under the code name Operation Costa, officers from police, national wildlife, customs and national intelligence agencies collaborated across six countries —
Shops and markets in the six countries were inspected and raided, resulting in the seizure of ivory, weapons and ammunition and the confiscation of vehicles.
"The success of Operation Costa is notable not only for the sheer volume of illegal ivory which has been recovered, which is among the biggest-ever hauls recorded, but because it also clearly shows the ability and will of law enforcement to effectively tackle wildlife crime," said Peter Younger, manager of Interpol’s OASIS (Operational Assistance, Services and Infrastructure Support) Africa wildlife crime program. The initiative is funded by the German government with support from the Humane Society of Canada.
"The illegal ivory trade is not just about smugglers and poachers; there are far-reaching consequences to this and all wildlife crime," Younger said. "Law enforcement officers have been killed, people are threatened with violence, corruption and the wider economic impact on a country are all linked to this type of crime."
He predicted the operation will result in more arrests.
Source: CNN