Clampdown on Medicines
The UK’s contribution to Operation Tram saw a multi-agency group, made up of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), Animal Health, the UK Border Agency, the Metropolitan Police, and police forces across England and Scotland, seize large quantities of traditional medicines containing ingredients derived from endangered animal and plant species.
During the operation, which ran from February 1st-28th, the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit together with the UK Border Agency executed three warrants at premises controlled by a large wholesaler suspected of illegally trading traditional medicines.
In addition, Animal Health Wildlife Inspectors, local police officers and members of NWCU visited 10 premises trading in traditional medicines in Leeds, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.
Numerous products containing ingredients from illegally traded wildlife were seized during the operation, and there is potential for significant enforcement action by police and the UK Border Agency once all associated investigations have been completed.
The UK was one of at least 19 countries across five continents taking part in Operation Tram, which is the first ever globally co-ordinated effort against the illegal wildlife trade. World-wide the initiative resulted in a number of arrests and the seizure of traditional medicines worth an estimated £9 million.
Chief Constable Richard Crompton, ACPO lead for the UK NWCU, said: “While the law enforcement community recognises the important cultural, historical and religious value of traditional medicines, the increased use of endangered species in their ingredients will no longer be tolerated as it places extreme pressure on their very survival and existence.”
Nevin Hunter, Head of Compliance at the Animal Health Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service, said: “The public should be reassured that the illegal trade in endangered species will not be tolerated, and that efforts to stamp out the illegal activity that undermines efforts to trade responsibly will continue.”
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
