Tigers, jaguars, bison found in raid on fuel smugglers near U.S. border
Smuggling gasoline and diesel from the U.S. into Mexico and reselling it tax-free is a huge money-maker for organized crime gangs, including drug cartels.
Mexican authorities have rescued a variety of exotic animals, including Bengal tigers, mandrills, hyenas, and a camel, during raids on a fuel smuggling ring near the U.S. border in Tamaulipas state. The 135 animals found at a ranch also included lions, buffalo, sulcata tortoises, spider monkeys, jaguars, an American bison, and a green macaw.
Thirty-five of the rescued animals are classified as endangered species. This operation targeted fuel smugglers, as smuggling gasoline and diesel from the United States into Mexico is a lucrative business for organized crime groups, including drug cartels.
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