Brazilian police have arrested 45 people and rescued around 700 exotic animals in the country’s largest-ever operation against wildlife traffickers.
The crackdown, carried out across Rio de Janeiro and several other states, involved more than 1,000 officers. It followed a year-long investigation into a powerful trafficking ring that has operated for decades, smuggling birds, primates, reptiles, and other animals to urban centres for sale.
Among the animals rescued were toucans, macaws, tortoises, monkeys, and a python, which were transferred to a central facility for veterinary care. Forensic police were seen carrying cages, with some animals covered by blankets before check-ups.
Police described the network as highly structured, with some members responsible for hunting and drugging animals while others handled transport and sales. The gang also traded weapons and ammunition, used to support wider criminal activity.
“Animal trafficking is not just cruel — it’s a death sentence. Many animals die before even reaching the market, which shows the sheer brutality of this trade,” said Bernardo Rossi, State Secretary of Environment and Sustainability.
Wildlife trafficking remains a major challenge in Brazil, the world’s most biodiverse nation. According to the NGO RENCTAS, around 38 million animals are taken from the wild each year, with 90 per cent dying before reaching buyers.