Operation SAMA results in over 100 seizures of endangered species products across 19 countries

09/05/24

The United Nations reports on Operation SAMA resulting in over 100 seizures of endangered species products across 19 countries in Africa:

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2024/May/operation-sama-results-in-over-100-seizures-of-endangered-species-products-across-19-countries-in-africa.html

• Operation SAMA (Saving African Wildlife through Multilateral Assistance) has led to 104 confiscations of endangered species products across 19 countries in 2024.
• Supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Customs Organization's Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (WCO).
• 35 countries participated, marking it as the first entirely Africa-focused, customs-coordinated operation against wildlife trafficking.
• 69% of confiscated items involved species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including elephants, birds, pangolins, monkeys, gazelles, and tortoises.
• Distribution of seizures: 52% domestic transport, 27% at export, 19% at import, and 3% during transit.
• Detection methods: 44% via intelligence investigations, 33% through routine control, 14% by risk profiling, and 9% from random checks.
• Highlighted increased cooperation at domestic and international levels, particularly noting significant interceptions in Namibia involving foreign nationals.
• Officials acknowledged both successes and challenges, emphasizing unprecedented cooperation among African customs authorities.
• Following a successful pilot, Operation SAMA II is planned to continue with a focus on joint investigations and prosecutions of transboundary criminal networks.