site.btaCustoms Agency Takes Part in Global Operation Thunder to Protect Wild Flora and Fauna

The Bulgarian Customs Agency Saturday reported it has taken part in the seventh edition of operation Thunder, coordinated by Interpol and the World Customs Organization to counter the trafficking of live animals of endangered or protected species against wildlife and forest resource trafficking networks. The operation was conducted between November 11 and December 6 with the combined efforts of police, customs, border control, forestry and human rights organizations from 138 countries and regions.

The Customs Agency seized 100 leopard geckos and 243 tarantulas during the operation.  They were found in special containers hidden in the cab of a truck travelling towards Turkiye. The reptiles and spiders were at an early age at the time of the seizure and to ensure their survival, they were immediately handed over to a specialised terrarium in the village of Mineralni Bani (Southeastern Bulgaria). To date, some of the geckos have been relocated to other terrariums in the country and others have been given to schools for educational purposes. The tarantulas are successfully kept in the terrarium.

The joint action of 138 countries within Thunder led to the seizure of thousands of live birds, turtles and other reptiles and dozens of mammals, as well as animal and plant products from protected species; the arrest of 365 individuals; and the busting of 6 transnational criminal networks trafficking animals and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).