“California not only works to protect its own natural resources, fish and wildlife, it also works to reduce the senseless poaching of endangered species that live elsewhere on our planet.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – On October 23, 2025, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) law enforcement officers from the Special Operations Unit (SOU) uncovered extensive evidence linking a business in Los Angeles County to suspected trafficking of animal parts, including rhino horn and elephant ivory.

CDFW investigators discovered what appears to be at least nine rhino horns, thousands of pieces of elephant ivory, several large, intricately carved tusks and a sea turtle shell. All samples will be tested and identified at CDFW’s Wildlife Forensics Lab.

“California was among the first to take a stand against the ivory trade, and our commitment has not wavered,” said Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement. “These operations send a clear message that we will continue to hold accountable those who profit from the destruction of wildlife. The global demand for ivory and rhino horn fuels poaching and organized crime, and California will not serve as a marketplace for these endeavors.”

CDFW’s SOU and officers statewide diligently pursue the illegal sale of ivory and rhino horn, working to reduce demand that drives the senseless poaching of iconic endangered species.

CDFW encourages the public to report wildlife trafficking and poaching activity through the CalTIP program by calling (888) 334-CALTIP (2258) or submitting anonymous tips via text to TIP411 (847411).