Overview

• Specialized agents uncovered items crafted from at least 14 protected species, including anteater claws, tucán beaks and yacaré bones.
• The raid followed a tip from Fundación para la Ayuda Internacional a los Animales after members spotted illegal crafts at a public stall.
• Department of Fauna Silvestre chief Adrián Gorrindo confirmed the vendor had no permits or legal documentation for the seized pieces.
• Mendoza has emerged as a key transit corridor in a trafficking network moving wildlife from Brazil through Argentina toward domestic and Chilean markets.
• This operation builds on earlier 2025 raids in Berazategui and La Paternal as investigators map a broader smuggling ring.