What began as a roadblock ended up revealing an unusual transport: National Gendarmerie agents They located a large number of reptiles hidden among sacks of vegetables. The intervention was carried out in the National Route 34 (kilometer 58), in the province of Santa Fe, when a truck that appeared to be carrying only onions was thoroughly inspected.
When inspecting the cargo, the officers found 166 land turtles and 10 birds kept in burlap bags hidden among the vegetables. Among the birds there were nine black-headed woodpeckers and a collared woodpecker, species that were alive and in clearly unsuitable conditions.
The operation and the interception
The performance was in charge of the Totoras Road Safety Section, dependent on Squadron 46 “Rosario”, who stopped the semi-trailer truck after noticing strange movements inside the loadThe vehicle appeared to be transporting only onions, but the visual examination and the driver's attitude prompted a thorough inspection.
By order of the Public Prosecutor's Office, the truck and the semi-trailer were left seized, while the driver was arrested and brought before the court for alleged violation of wildlife regulations.
Rescued animals and their condition
The agents found that the turtles and birds were piled up, without ventilation or water, in sealed bags, a situation that seriously endangered their lives. According to official sources, many specimens showed signs of dehydration and stress after the transfer.
The animals were taken into custody and handed over to the Rosario Environmental Police, where they received veterinary care. Their condition will then be assessed. recovery and, where possible, their reintegration in the natural environment.
Legal framework and consequences
The case is being investigated under the Law 22.421 on Wildlife Conservation, which prohibits the capture, transportation, and sale of wild species without authorization. The driver remains at the disposal of Justice while the origin and final destination of the cargo are determined.
The authorities emphasize that the wildlife trafficking not only affects biodiversity, but also entails health risks by facilitating the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Therefore, they insist on strengthening controls in strategic corridors and on the importance of reporting them.
A route marked by wildlife trafficking
National Route 34 is a key axis which connects different provinces of northern Argentina with the center of the country, and in it are frequently detected shipments of reptiles, birds and mammals destined for the illegal exotic pet market. This operation follows other recent raids that reveal persistent activity.
Researchers focus on the collection and distribution networks that supply a sustained demand. At the same time, they remind us that citizen collaboration - warnings about suspicious movements and responsible purchases - can make a difference in the crime prevention.
Context in Spain and the European Union
At the European level, trade in species is regulated by CITES and by Regulation (EC) 338/97, while in Spain, in addition to this regulation, the Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. The security forces and bodies —with SEPRONA As a specialized unit, they carry out similar controls on land routes, ports and airports, with administrative and criminal sanctions for wildlife trafficking.
Although the case has been registered in Argentina, the modus operandi The practice of hiding animals in agricultural cargo is reminiscent of methods also detected in Europe. International coordination and information exchange are key tools to dismantle these networks and reduce pressure on wildlife.
The seizure of 166 turtles and 10 birds, the seizure of the truck and arrest of the driver leave a clear message: road controls and judicial response remain essential to protect wildlife and curb illegal trafficking, while the investigation clarifies the route of the shipment and who is behind it.