A joint law-enforcement operation targeting wildlife trafficking has resumed at Crocodile Bridge in the Kruger National Park.
Crocodile Bridge (near the South gate Kruger National Park)/Entropy1963, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Organised Crime Investigation team joined forces with White River K9, Skukuza Vispol and Kruger National Park Protection Services for Operation Thunder on 14 September.
Crocodile Bridge is situated in the south-eastern corner of the park near Komatipoort, an area that provides an important route between the park and surrounding communities.
Operation targets illegal wildlife trafficking
The operation is focused on detecting and disrupting criminal activity linked to the illegal trade in wildlife and endangered plant species.
According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the operation aims to identify and investigate people involved in wildlife trafficking.
Law enforcement teams are stopping vehicles travelling through the area and conducting searches for illegally transported wildlife-related items.
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Multiple agencies involved
Kruger National Park Protection Services are also supporting the operation, carrying out searches and verification procedures while helping maintain the safety and security of visitors.
The involvement of specialist K9 teams and different law-enforcement units forms part of a coordinated approach to tackling wildlife crime in and around the park.
The operation highlights the continued efforts by authorities to intercept wildlife trafficking and other environmental crimes before illegal goods can be moved out of the region.
Source: Mpumalanga News
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