Customs officials at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport are intensifying efforts against the illegal trade of exotic meats and banned plants, seizing about 500 kilograms of contraband daily. The trafficking, largely sourced from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, supports both individual consumers and illegal restaurants in France. Social media facilitates these transactions, with buyers receiving tips to avoid detection. Severe penalties are in place for violators, as authorities remain vigilant to prevent health risks from unregulated meat consumption.
Customs Crackdown on Exotic Meat Trafficking
At Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, customs authorities are on a relentless mission to combat the illegal transport of exotic meats and prohibited plants. Their daily inspections reveal a staggering amount of contraband, often hidden in makeshift, insect-ridden packaging. Alarmingly, around 50% of the luggage inspected in one terminal is confiscated due to the presence of banned food items. This amounts to approximately 500 kilograms of illicit food seized each day, which includes everything from exotic fruits to disturbing finds like whole monkeys and pangolin. Emmanuel Bizeray, the head of customs services for terminal T2E, expresses his frustration: “It’s unacceptable. We’re aware that these species are critically endangered.”
The Dark Underbelly of Exotic Meat Trade
The scale of wildlife trafficking is shocking, with only an estimated 5 to 10% of illegal meat being intercepted by customs. This illicit trade supplies not only individual consumers who bring back food for their families but also illegal restaurants operating within France. Philippe Rafi, head of division 3 of the regional Roissy Travelers management, notes, “There are clear links to illegal commercial networks that are providing these restaurants.”
Much of the exotic meat originates from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, with the airport serving as a hub for illegal distribution to underground markets. For instance, the coypu, a large rodent, can fetch a price of 150 euros, while the endangered pangolin can sell for as much as 1300 euros.
Social media has become a breeding ground for illicit transactions, with travelers organizing groups to facilitate the transport of exotic meats. Potential buyers are instructed on how to disguise their purchases to evade customs inspection. A typical exchange reveals instructions to “cut off the head and the tail” to prevent identification of bush meat, with some even offering home delivery services for around sixty euros.
Transporters face severe penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines that can reach twice the value of the confiscated goods. These stringent measures aim to deter the trafficking of protected species and address the significant health risks associated with consuming unregulated meat. Professor Emmanuel Faure, an infectious disease specialist at Lille University Hospital, warns of the dangers: “Consuming meat outside of proper preservation conditions poses risks. There’s a potential for severe infectious diseases, including hemorrhagic fever.”
While France has not yet experienced any exotic meat-related epidemics, customs remains vigilant, having seized a total of 23 tons of illegal meat in 2023 alone.