Operation Thunder, a global initiative against illegal wildlife trafficking, resulted in the seizure of nearly 30,000 live animals and a record 4,460 seizures from 134 countries. The operation revealed a surge in demand for exotic pets and bushmeat, with significant quantities of marine wildlife and ivory also confiscated. Authorities warn that these environmental crimes threaten food chains and biodiversity. INTERPOL emphasizes the need to dismantle sophisticated criminal networks involved in this trade.