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Wildlife officials uncover "extensive evidence" of ivory, rhino trafficking in LA County
These are just some of the items seized from an L.A. County business as part of a state investigation into the trafficking of animal parts.
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Courtesy California Department of Fish and Wildlife
)
Topline:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife seized what they say appears to be at least nine rhino horns and thousands of pieces of elephant ivory from an L.A. County business.
What they found: In addition to the suspected rhino horns and ivory, investigators also said they seized what appear to be several large, intricately carved tusks and a sea turtle shell. Investigators did not identify the business or give its location.
What officials are saying: Investigators said they uncovered "extensive" evidence linking the business to suspected trafficking of animal parts. "The global demand for ivory and rhino horn fuels poaching and organized crime, and California will not serve as a marketplace for these endeavors," Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW's Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement, said in a statement.
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The backstory: Selling ivory and rhino horns has been banned in California since 2016 under a law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
What's next: Fish and Wildlife officials will now test the recovered evidence at their Wildlife Forensics Lab to identify them.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
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