Coordinated “Stings” Stop Central African Wildlife Smuggling Rings

Undercover sting operations by wildlife activists in four central African countries (Cameroon, Gabon, the Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville) have broken up organized wildlife smuggling rings and led to the arrest of key dealers and the recovery of hundreds of pounds of ivory, turtle shells and animal skins. These coordinated operations marks a breakthrough in regional coordination and also an innovative way to work around obstacles to wildlife law enforcement, such as weak enforcement and corruption. Interestingly, the sting was co-ordinated by the Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA), a wildlife law-enforcement NGO based in Cameroon. For more info, click here.