Mexico warns of heavy fines for illegal wildlife possession

Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has warned of severe legal and financial consequences for the illegal possession or trade of protected wildlife. Authorities have conducted numerous rescues of protected species, including crocodile hatchlings, during September.

Under Mexican law, the illegal possession of wildlife can result in fines of up to 50,000 UMAs, which exceeds 5 million pesos. Additionally, the Federal Penal Code stipulates prison sentences ranging from one to nine years for those involved in the illicit capture, transport, or trafficking of species that are endangered, threatened, or protected by international treaties.