Border Force seized more than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products at UK airports, ports and mail depots between 13 September and 15 October 2025 as part of Operation Thunder, an annual international crackdown led by Interpol and the World Customs Organization. The seizures represented a 73% increase from 2023 and included a rainbow boa constrictor hidden under blankets in a Dover car, over 100 endangered birds such as scarlet ibis and lovebirds, more than 2,000 live tarantulas worth an estimated £70,000, and other items like an elephant hair ring, king cobra balm and a blacktip shark jaw. The operation, supported by police, also seized shark and crocodile meat, ivory carvings and a tiger claw bottle. The seized items will be rehomed or used for research. The government says it will continue to target illegal wildlife smuggling through air, sea and post.
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Original source: https://www.gov.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/border-force-seizes-over-250-endangered-species
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