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Story perspectives

Illegal Wildlife Trade Fuels Organized Crime and Drug Trade

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A recent study shows illegal wildlife trade links to organized crime, including drug trafficking and human exploitation.
Criminal networks diversify operations and use wildlife as barter for drugs.
The lack of transparency in legal wildlife trade, notably the outdated Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permit system, worsens the problem.

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Story summary

A recent study shows illegal wildlife trade links to organized crime, including drug trafficking and human exploitation.
Criminal networks diversify operations and use wildlife as barter for drugs.
The lack of transparency in legal wildlife trade, notably the outdated Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permit system, worsens the problem.