FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — Three suspects have been booked into Fresno County Jail following a wildlife parts trafficking investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
The investigation was triggered when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intercepted a shipment from Thailand containing elephant trunks.
This led CDFW investigators to uncover a criminal operation involving the illegal trade of elephant ivory, rhino horns, and other wildlife parts.
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Search warrants executed in Fresno and Madera counties resulted in the seizure of elephant parts, ivory items, and wildlife products from other protected species.
“Illicit trafficking is not acceptable in any form, including wildlife trafficking, said Governor Gavin Newsom. “The international illegal market for these products encourages poaching and threatens global biodiversity — California wants no part of it. We’re using every tool at our disposal to catch and shut down these trafficking rings.”
Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement, emphasized the importance of AB 96, stating, “This investigation demonstrates exactly why AB 96 matters.” He highlighted California’s role as a major hub of international trade and the state’s commitment to combating illegal wildlife trafficking.
In addition to the Fresno County arrests, CDFW officers in Madera County shut down an illegal rooster-fighting ring and seized illegal derivatives of protected kestrel falcons, along with a prohibited firearm suppressor. Evidence was seized, and charges were filed with the Madera County District Attorney’s office.
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These efforts are part of California’s ongoing commitment to protect biodiversity both globally and within the state. The public is encouraged to report wildlife trafficking and poaching activity through the CalTIP program.