Ibama, in conjunction with the Federal Revenue and the Postal Service in São Paulo, conducted Operation Hermes, a postal shipment inspection. Specimens of fauna and flora that did not have authorization for movement across the border were seized. Ibama, in conjunction with the Federal Revenue and the Postal Service in São Paulo, conducted Operation Hermes, a postal shipment inspection. Specimens of fauna and flora that did not have authorization for movement across the border were seized.
In the two weeks of observation, fines totaling R$ 500,000 were imposed. Based on monitoring by X-ray machines from the Postal Service, Federal Revenue auditors forwarded packages to Ibama for analysis.
A total of 1,049 animals were identified as being transported illegally. Among the intercepted materials were 544 pieces of Pau-Brasil (which were intended for violin manufacturing), sawn wood, fox fur coats, butterflies, kudu horns (exotic wildlife), and an emulator used for fraud in the emission of pollutants by automobiles.
In addition to the fines, those responsible for the illegal shipments may face environmental crimes as outlined in Law No. 9,605 of 1998. The information gathered during the operation will be forwarded to the Federal Public Ministry (MPF).
Source: Portal Brasil