Interpol seizes record 30,000 live animals in raids worldwide

NParks carries out series of raids in support of Operation Thunder, seizing 16 wildlife specimens

- Claudia Tan

An Interpol operation in multiple countries including Singapore in September and October targeting the illegal wildlife trade seized almost 30,000 live animals.

The international police organisation said on Dec Ii that this is the highest number of animals ever seized in Operation Thunder, in its ninth run in 2025.

The operation, which targets the illegal trafficking of floral and fauna, involved the authorities from 134 countries.

They embarked on a record 4,620 raids, seizing protected animals and plants, illegally logged timber and endangered species, said Interpol in a release on Dec I.

A total of 20,000 animals were seized by the authorities in 2024’s operation.

The National Parks Board (NParks) said it successfully carried out a series of coordinated raids across Singapore on Oct 9 in support of Operation Thunder.

These operations targeted individuals suspected of engaging in illegal wildlife trade through online platforms, including Telegram.

“A total of six premises were raided, resulting in the seizure of 16 wildlife specimens.

“Among the confiscated animals were endangered species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) such as yellow-headed day geckos, a leopard tortoise, a spiny-tailed monitor and an Argentine black and white tegu,’ said Dr Anna Wong, senior director of Wildlife Trade at NParks.

She added that the animals are currently being housed and cared for at NParks’ Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Interpol said the illegal trade is largely driven by a demand for exotic pets.