Friday 10 January 2003

The raid, which was part of the Operation Charm initiative, seized more than 260 items suspected of containing endangered species. These included plasters thought to contain musk deer, products made from pangolins, and various threatened plant species. The computer provided the investigating officers with easy access to lists of illegal wildlife products.

"The laptop proved to be an invaluable tool in this investigation and greatly assisted with the identification of many of the illegal products," said Andy Fisher, Head of the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit. "The results from our search prove yet again that there is an active illegal trade in endangered species in London and Operation Charm will continue to combat it."

"It's great that the WWF and TRAFFIC campaign is helping the Police crack wildlife crime in the heart of the capital," said David Cowdrey, leader of the campaign. "This case shows that we must all be vigilant. If you become suspicious or see any illegal wildlife activity please call WWF's Eyes & Ears hotline on 01483 426111 and we will follow up all tip-offs received."

Operation Charm
Operation Charm uses a combination of law enforcement and initiatives to work with traders and increase public awareness of the illegal trade and reduce the demand for endangered species products in London.

Since it began in 1995, the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit has seized over 25,000 items made from endangered species, which were being sold illegally in London. The Wildlife Crime Unit is also working in partnership with many other organisations, both in the UK and internationally, to educate traders and consumers, and prevent illegal trade.

Musk Facts
Musk remains one of the most expensive natural products in the world - three to five times more valuable than gold at up to $45,000 per kilogram - which has helped fuel the illegal trade worldwide. Musk pods are harvested by killing the male deer, and it is estimated that from three to five musk deer have to be killed to obtain a single male with approximately 25 grams of raw musk. On average, 160 musk deer have to be killed for 1 kg of musk.

In addition, other species fall foul of the snares set for musk deer, including the rare giant panda, in order to meet the demand for the perfume and traditional Asian medicine trade. Musk deer numbers are plummeting at an ever-increasing rate. In Russia, musk deer populations have fallen by 50 per cent in the last 10 years due to over exploitation and poaching.

The populations of Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan are included on Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, all other musk deer species are listed on Appendix 2.