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60-Year-Old Caught Smuggling 40kg of Pangolins in Madrid

2/27/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Spanish Civil Guard uncovered 40 kg of pangolin bodies, including 15 carcasses, in the suitcase of a 60-year-old woman at Madrid's airport during customs checks on arrivals from Ethiopia.
The incident is classified as a crime against wildlife.
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals, poached for scales and meat for demand in China.
Despite a reported decline in trafficking since the pandemic, poaching remains significant in Africa.

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Story summary

The Spanish Civil Guard uncovered 40 kg of pangolin bodies, including 15 carcasses, in the suitcase of a 60-year-old woman at Madrid's airport during customs checks on arrivals from Ethiopia.
The incident is classified as a crime against wildlife.
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals, poached for scales and meat for demand in China.
Despite a reported decline in trafficking since the pandemic, poaching remains significant in Africa.