Spanish police seize 209 reptiles and arrest three in protected-species trafficking bust
Guardia Civil confiscated 209 reptiles and detained three suspects in Castellón for illegal trade in protected species.
Coordinated operations by Guardia Civil officers in Jérica and Sot de Ferrer resulted in the seizure of 209 reptiles, 110 of which are protected under CITES, among them a Fiji-endemic iguana at serious risk of extinction. Investigators say the suspects operated a seemingly legitimate animal-shipping company, obtaining specimens from the Americas, Africa and Asia, breeding them covertly, and moving them to European fairs with falsified paperwork.
The raids revealed incubators, terrariums and transport containers, as well as four unlicensed pistols, nearly 200 rounds of ammunition, an air rifle, a Taser and an extendable baton. The three individuals—a 48-year-old man, a 51-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman—face charges of wildlife crimes, smuggling, money laundering and membership in a criminal organisation. Guardia Civil is analysing seized documents and electronic devices to assess the full scope of the illegal trade network. The case underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing CITES and Spain's wildlife protection regulations.
