Inspectors from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) carried out a seizure of 22 specimens of flora at the facilities of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). These specimens were destined to be illegally shipped to Thailand and were detected after a request for review by the Mexican Postal Service (Sepomex). Profepa personnel, assigned to the Cargo Customs of the AICM, inspected a 15-kilogram cardboard box, in which wildlife was suspected to be concealed.
In the procedure conducted on February 26, 22 specimens of peyotillo biznaga, a protected species listed in NOM-59-Semarnat 2010, were found. This species is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As the legal origin of the plants could not be verified, they were seized and transferred to a nursery in the State of Mexico for safekeeping while their legal situation is resolved.
Mariana Boy Tamborrell, head of Profepa, condemned the illegal trafficking of species and stated that appropriate legal actions will be taken to identify those responsible and apply the corresponding sanctions. She highlighted the importance of protecting flora and fauna, preventing acts like this from continuing to occur.
The Federal Penal Code establishes that illegal trafficking of protected species carries penalties ranging from one to nine years in prison and fines of 300 to 3,000 days. These penalties increase if the activity affects protected natural areas or is carried out for commercial purposes. The peyotillo biznaga is a threatened species due to habitat loss, uncontrolled extraction, and overexploitation for illegal trade. Its conservation is crucial for preserving biodiversity in the region from northern Mexico to Texas.
