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Evidently, trafficking in endangered species is quite easy in many parts of the world:
Wildlife trafficking may be the world’s most profitable form of transnational organized crime. The reason is not money alone, although the profit margins can be spectacular. The reason is the low risk: When it comes to wildlife trafficking, there is little chance of getting caught. Around the world, law enforcement dedicated to wildlife smuggling is woefully undermanned and underfunded. And even when smugglers are caught, the most common penalty they face is a fine, often no larger than a parking ticket.
There’s a special place in hell for people like this. The good news: NatGeo is reporting that Anson Wong – the world’s premier dealer in endangered wildlife – has been sentenced to prison in Malaysia.
Perhaps most surprising: he was caught by airline security (no, seriously!) who just happened to notice his luggage was full of boa constrictors.
Get the full story at National Geographic.