Border officials seize exotic animals as wildlife smuggling grows

Story at a glance

• 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.