MIAMI (AP) - More than 30 people and businesses in Florida have been busted for selling protected wildlife illegally online.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducted the five-day operation with federal and state agencies. "Operation Wild Web" netted more than 60 arrests - 33 of them in Florida alone.
The wildlife being sold illegally included fresh and saltwater fish, lobster, snakes and birds. Some businesses operated without licenses. Other violations included illegal fishing and hunting.
Lt. George Wilson, with the commission's Internet Crimes Unit, says these businesses compete with legitimate companies and are damaging to the state's valuable fish and wildlife populations.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also participated.
