On August 12th an estimated 200 products derived from endangered plants and animals were seized by Metropolitan police in Westminster.

Police performed the raid as they suspected products displayed by an Asian medicine shop in Westminster to be made from endangered species – tigers, leopards and musk deer. Seizing these products was a step forward in the Metropolitan police’s Operation charm which aims to stop illegal trade and trafficking of endangered species.

“Most traditional Chinese medicines are not made from endangered species and can be sold legally,” leader, DC David Flint, commented. “However, a small number of products do contain these ingredients, and it is these products that have a disproportionate impact on wild populations by sustaining a demand.

To meet this demand poachers and traffickers will continue to profit from killing and supplying animals from other parts of the world and the future of some of our most endangered species will be at risk.”

The seize followed an alteration in the law on the same day which means certain species are automatically given a higher level of protection, as regulations depending on their origin are difficult to establish.

“With our partners WWF sought to close this loophole so we are thrilled with this seizure,” Heather Sohl, WWF species trade officer, explained. “The fact the amendment has been used on its first day shows how necessary it is to have effective laws and tools in place to bring unscrupulous traders to justice.”

Operation Charm, launched in 1995, has so far seized over 40,000 items derived from endangered species in the capital. Many of these are conventional Chinese medicine products, as well as shawls, elephant ivory and taxidermy.

The operation comes from a partnership between Metropolitan Police, the Greater London Authority, and international wildlife groups such as WWF that aims to cease the illegal trade of products made from endangered species.

Via WWF News.

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