Two people arrested for selling bats and jaguar parts | Aprehenden a dos personas acusadas de vender murciélagos y partes de jaguar

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Aprehenden a dos personas acusadas de vender murciélagos y partes de jaguar

Jaguar parts that were going to be sold. Photo: Social Media

The Biodiversity Management Program, along with the Forestry and Environmental Police (Pofoma), has arrested two individuals for selling wildlife. The first arrest took place in the city of Santa Cruz when an attempt was made to sell parts of a jaguar. The second arrest occurred in Cochabamba for possessing 15 bats.

“Pofoma police officers arrested a male individual who was found in possession of a skull, claws, and skin presumably from a jaguar,” stated prosecutor Juan Pablo Sánchez.

This person had posted on social media about his intention to sell parts of this jaguar at Blacutt Plaza. The police arranged a meeting and found him in possession of the animal parts. “He was arrested and presented to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which formally charged him with the crimes of destruction and deterioration of state property and illegal possession of wildlife,” Sánchez said.

The maximum penalty for these crimes is imprisonment for three to eight years, considering that these animals are endangered, and due to this aggravating factor, preventive detention is being requested. “This person exercised his right to remain silent, and we are awaiting the precautionary measures hearing,” he added.

The second operation took place at La Pampa market in the city of Cochabamba, where 15 bats that were being sold for medicinal purposes were rescued, as explained by the accused. The animals were confiscated by officials from the Governor’s Office.

The 39-year-old seller claimed that he brought the animals at the request of a person who believed that the blood of these creatures could cure epilepsy. The operation was carried out by Pofoma, officials from the Cochabamba City Hall, and the Care and Referral Center (CAD).

BD/RED

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