As part of an operation against the Los Rojos cell of the Gulf Cartel, Mexican authorities seized 135 exotic animals, including camels, tigers, hyenas, jaguars, lions, and monkeys. This operation took place in a rural area in the state of Tamaulipas.
A statement from the Mexican Security Cabinet revealed that the operation was linked to the illegal hydrocarbon market, resulting in the seizure of about 68 thousand liters of fuel.
Inspections were conducted by the Navy (SEMAR), the Attorney General's Office of the Republic, and the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection, with assistance from local authorities.
A total of five sites were inspected in the municipalities of Tampico and Altamira: a warehouse, an illegal gas station, a residential house, a workshop, and a ranch.
At the ranch, 135 exotic animals were discovered, including five Bengal tigers, three jaguars, one ligre (a hybrid of lion and tiger), 21 spider monkeys, two hyenas, three African lions, as well as bison, sulcata tortoises, buffalo, and a camel.
According to authorities, at least 35 of these animals are classified as endangered species in Mexico. All animals were transferred to the Federal Prosecutor's Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) for assessment, protection, and specialized treatment.
At the four remaining sites, authorities confiscated approximately 68 thousand liters of diesel fuel and several vehicles. Communication equipment, two firearms, and ammunition were also seized. One person was detained during the operation.