The recent acquisition of approximately ten turtles and a lizard by foreign tourists in Marrakech for around 6,000 dirhams has ignited a significant investigation within the city's medina. This transaction has raised serious concerns regarding the illegal wildlife trade, prompting authorities to target seven local businesses associated with this purchase. The operation also led to the seizure of several reptiles and animal skins, highlighting the pressing issue of wildlife trafficking in the region.
A video circulating on social media captured the transaction taking place in Rahba Lakdima, a popular tourist square nestled in the heart of the medina. Initially, reports suggested that a single wild turtle was sold for 600 dirhams; however, subsequent information indicated that a larger group of animals, including around ten turtles and a lizard, was bought for a total sum nearing 6,000 dirhams. The alarming nature of this footage quickly caught the attention of local authorities.
In response, a commission from the National Agency for Water and Forests, accompanied by local officials, conducted an inspection of the businesses in Rahba Lakdima that were found to be dealing in wild animals. This operation uncovered not only turtles and various lizards but also animal skins and other reptiles displayed across different shops, as reported by _Al3omk_. The initial checks revealed seven businesses potentially linked to the illegal possession or sale of these animals.
As the authorities prepared to take legal action, they documented the findings and initiated the process to submit their case to the Marrakech Court of First Instance. In a collaborative effort, members of the judicial police joined local authorities to delve deeper into the situation, leading to the seizure of additional reptiles and animal skins. Individuals suspected of involvement in this illegal trade were apprehended and questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
The live animals that were confiscated have been handed over to the National Agency for Water and Forests, which is now tasked with determining their origins, the conditions under which they were captured, and whether the merchants had the necessary permits to possess and sell them. Investigators are now focused on accurately identifying the reptiles and assessing whether their exhibition in the souks adhered to existing regulations.
Marrakech has previously faced several incidents related to animal trafficking. Notably, in December 2023, authorities conducted a record seizure of endangered reptiles at Marrakech airport. This latest case also arises shortly after a petition was launched, calling for an end to the exploitation of various animals for tourism purposes in Marrakech. This petition has garnered support from over 17,000 individuals and specifically targeted the use of snakes and monkeys around the Jemaa el-Fna square.
As reported by bladi.net.
