California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Seizes Thousands of Elephant Ivory Pieces and Rhino Horns in Los Angeles Trafficking Bust

Investigators from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) uncovered a major illegal trafficking operation in Los Angeles County involving at least nine rhino horns, thousands of pieces of elephant ivory, carved tusks, and a sea turtle shell. These seized items are being examined at the CDFW's Wildlife Forensics Lab to verify their origins and connections. The bust highlights the ongoing global demand for ivory and rhino horn, which drives poaching and organized crime, prompting California officials to reaffirm their commitment to combat wildlife trafficking. This case coincides with the 10th anniversary of California's Assembly Bill 96, enacted in 2015 and effective from 2016, which banned the sale of ivory and rhino horn statewide, making California a leader in anti-wildlife trade legislation. CDFW Deputy Director Nathaniel Arnold emphasized that the state will continue to hold accountable those profiting from the destruction of wildlife. The department urges the public to report any wildlife trafficking activities through their CalTIP program to aid enforcement efforts.