At-risk species found in medicine shop raids

Published on Saturday 6 March 2010 10:18

FOUR Edinburgh shops have been raided as part of a worldwide operation targeting the illegal trade in traditional medicines made using endangered animals.

The stores were identified as part of the crackdown spearheaded by the police's National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), which is based in Livingston.

Officers visited the city premises and seized products. Similar raids were conducted in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Leeds and London.

The products confiscated in the Capital are understood to have contained ingredients from plant and animal species that are on the endangered list.

Among the "medicines" seized across the UK were those containing bear gall bladders, tiger and leopard bones, orchid species, sea horses and turtles. The products were being traded in capsules, powders, pills, as well as the raw materials.

The crackdown in Edinburgh formed part of a worldwide blitz carried out last month, which saw 9 million of illegal merchandise seized in 19 countries as part of Operation Tram.

Detective Inspector Brian Stuart, head of the NWCU, said the four premises targeted in the Capital had seen illegal products removed from their shelves.

He said: "Law enforcement agencies in the UK are renowned for their partnership approach in combating wildlife crime both at home and abroad. This collaboration with Interpol is a first in tackling wildlife crime with a global perspective.

"It is well-known that there has been a perception of 'high profit, low risk' associated with the smuggling of endangered products into the UK. Operation Tram shows our commitment to pursuing those engaged in this unlawful trade."

Mr Stuart said the illegal medicines may have reached Edinburgh through UK ports and wholesalers, but smaller batches were often sent through the post or carried across borders.

The UK's contribution to Operation Tram saw organisations including the UK Border Agency, the Metropolitan Police and other forces across England and Scotland working together to seize the illegal ingredients.

Nevin Hunter, head of compliance at the Animal Health Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service, said: "The illegal trade in endangered species will not be tolerated, and efforts to stamp out the illegal activity that undermines efforts to trade responsibly will continue."

The operation follows targeted inspections of premises in London, Manchester, Southampton, Devon, Essex, Lancaster and Liverpool late last year.

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