Environment Canada Participates in Operation Ramp

OTTAWA, Ont. -- November 3, 2010 -- In September and October, 2010, Environment Canada participated in a successful INTERPOL initiative that prevented hundreds of criminals from trafficking reptiles and amphibians illegally in an ever-growing wildlife market.

Known as Operation RAMP, the operation was carried out in collaboration with over 50 countries, and focused on illegal activities relating to the trade and possession of turtles, crocodiles, lizards, frogs, snakes, and any of their derivatives.

Extensive effort was placed on detecting and apprehending blatant criminals and criminal groups. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring the compliance of lawful traders such as private license holders, public retail outlets and wholesale distributors alongside targeted enforcement actions at national ports of import and export which collectively resulted in thousands of inspections during the 2 month operation.

Results of the operation are still being tabulated. Environment Canada expects to release statistics on charges and product seizures in November, 2010.

As the second INTERPOL lead global operation combating wildlife crime of its kind, Operation RAMP has built on the success of it predecessor, Operation TRAM. Operation TRAM, conducted in February 2010, targeted the illegal trade in traditional medicines containing wildlife products and resulted in the worldwide seizure of over 10 million euro worth of products.