![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5ZVFEFXY5FF2VNUK7AAFD6U6B4.jpg?smart=true&auth=30e298f55bce055e0e199f239b64c1e9a970821b81526a6301b9169430cc60eb&width=400&height=225)
Criminal networks were severely disrupted by the large international operation.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PYC5REXFGJDR5PEMNMG6HRL7UQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=b998657687d7413e7891434dd15c1b7e3eceed2dea0adcc54abc8aa334c0d6de&width=400&height=225)
The illicit trade is used by criminal gangs across the world. More than 1,000 animals, including 171 birds, were captured during a global operation led by Interpol in 2021. All photos: Interpol
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LSVXTQNX6ZGEBN26BZWAPBXHLU.jpg?smart=true&auth=dbdaa0c673eef02956b789721b076152a2d523701fc1816ec2cd322874a5fc30&width=400&height=225)
The drive against illegal trafficking of wildlife led to the seizure of 29 big cats.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LC7T7UESGNGO5JGYF4MAN5Z2PY.jpg?smart=true&auth=aba72f1115f2d86e49fd169f66d25b1ae0d9a4e28df2943b7851a6e069f8dec0&width=400&height=225)
The worldwide investigation secured the recovery of 336 reptiles.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5ZVFEFXY5FF2VNUK7AAFD6U6B4.jpg?smart=true&auth=30e298f55bce055e0e199f239b64c1e9a970821b81526a6301b9169430cc60eb&width=400&height=225)
Criminal networks were severely disrupted by the large international operation.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PYC5REXFGJDR5PEMNMG6HRL7UQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=b998657687d7413e7891434dd15c1b7e3eceed2dea0adcc54abc8aa334c0d6de&width=400&height=225)
The illicit trade is used by criminal gangs across the world. More than 1,000 animals, including 171 birds, were captured during a global operation led by Interpol in 2021. All photos: Interpol
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LSVXTQNX6ZGEBN26BZWAPBXHLU.jpg?smart=true&auth=dbdaa0c673eef02956b789721b076152a2d523701fc1816ec2cd322874a5fc30&width=400&height=225)
The drive against illegal trafficking of wildlife led to the seizure of 29 big cats.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LC7T7UESGNGO5JGYF4MAN5Z2PY.jpg?smart=true&auth=aba72f1115f2d86e49fd169f66d25b1ae0d9a4e28df2943b7851a6e069f8dec0&width=400&height=225)
The worldwide investigation secured the recovery of 336 reptiles.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5ZVFEFXY5FF2VNUK7AAFD6U6B4.jpg?smart=true&auth=30e298f55bce055e0e199f239b64c1e9a970821b81526a6301b9169430cc60eb&width=400&height=225)
Criminal networks were severely disrupted by the large international operation.
Interpol: Wildlife trade seizures lead to hundreds of arrests worldwide
Operation Thunder recovers more than 1,000 animals in operation spanning 118 countries
![Nick Webster](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F9cfba7f3-8cc8-4789-bcec-97bd0007d9ef.png?smart=true&auth=96a9a5766af20e4704e52306e74ecd02669a7e0ffd084d4151d31e0039a945d3&width=70&height=70)
Nick Webster
01 December, 2021
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