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The illegal wildlife trade is now the fourth largest funding source for criminal organizations, generating about $23 billion each year. In November, the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, warned that the growing issue has pushed many species "to the brink of extinction." From 2018 to 2021, wildlife trafficking surged more than 150%, according to a Moody's Analytics report, which cited government data.(NewsNation) — Mexican drug cartels make billions smuggling humans across the southern border, but in recent years, another lucrative crime has taken off: wildlife trafficking.
In March, authorities in Texas arrested a 29-year-old Mexican man after he tried to enter the U.S. with two live howler monkeys in the back of his pickup. Less than a week later, a woman was caught attempting to smuggle 21 parrots and a keel-billed toucan into California.
On Thursday, May 9th, NewsNation rides with law enforcement at the border live, showing you the border the way no other news network can. See it Thursday, May 9th, on a special edition of “Dan Abrams Live” at 9 p.m.........© The Hill