Wildlife crime unit praised
THE Lothians-based National Wildlife Crime Unit has been praised for its role in targeting the illegal trade in birds.
Operation CAGE was the third operation coordinated by Interpol to target the growing trade in illegal wildlife. It united police, customs and wildlife enforcement authorities in 32 countries.
In the UK, 26 inspections were completed as a result of which police forces supported by the NWCU, based in Livingston, are involved in 14 investigations.
Five people have been arrested, with one person convicted.