Mexican authorities seize 135 exotic animals during cartel operation

Mexican federal authorities, including the Secretaría de Marina (Semar) and the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), discovered 135 exotic animals at a ranch in Tamaulipas during a major operation against the Gulf Cartel. The operation, which was initially aimed at dismantling a fuel theft (huachicol) network, uncovered a wide variety of wildlife.

Among the seized animals were five Bengal tigers, three jaguars, one liger, 21 spider monkeys, two hyenas, three African lions, bison, sulcata tortoises, buffalo, and a camel. Authorities noted that at least 35 of the animals are considered at risk under Mexican environmental regulations (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010). The presence of such collections is often used by organized crime groups as a symbol of status.