SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 15th August (EUROPA PRESS) –
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, agents of the Civil Guard from the Fiscal and Border Section of the port have apprehended a 52-year-old man, a resident of the capital of Tenerife, on suspicion of a crime against flora and fauna for the possession of protected species of wild fauna.
The incident took place during a routine checkpoint for people and vehicles when a commercial vessel arrived at the port of Santa Cruz. The officers stopped a car and, after speaking with the driver, observed his nervous behaviour, leading them to believe he was hiding something.
Subsequently, a quick search of the vehicle revealed a live young specimen of a small lizard (a species of giant lizard from Gran Canaria) concealed inside. Additionally, two more specimens of the same species, but larger (adults), were found hidden within the emergency triangles cover. This particular species is protected under Law 42/2007, of December 13, concerning Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. The suspect has a criminal record for similar offences.
As set out in article 334 of the Criminal Code, “any individual who unlawfully hunts, fishes, acquires, possesses, or destroys protected species of wild fauna; b) engages in trafficking of them, their parts, or derivatives, shall be subject to imprisonment ranging from six months to two years or a fine of eight to twenty-four months. Additionally, they will face a special disqualification from any profession or trade and a ban on hunting or fishing rights for a period of two to four years.”
